Wayne Lumbasi
The administration of Donald Trump has widened a controversial visa policy that now requires travelers from several countries including six in Africa to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States.
Under the expanded measure, nationals from Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Tunisia will be subject to the requirement, part of a broader list of 12 newly added countries. The move significantly expands a programme that already affects dozens of nations worldwide.
The bond applies primarily to applicants for short-term visitor visas, including tourism and business travel. U.S. consular officers will determine the bond amount set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 based on perceived risk factors. The money is refundable if the applicant complies fully with visa conditions, including departing the country before the visa expires. However, paying the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.
Officials in the U.S. State Department say the policy is designed to curb visa overstays, pointing to internal data showing high compliance rates among travelers already subjected to the scheme. The administration argues that the financial requirement acts as a deterrent against illegal overstays while preserving legal travel pathways.
Yet the expansion has sparked concern, particularly across Africa, where the added financial burden could limit access to the United States for business people , students, and tourists. Critics say the policy disproportionately targets developing economies, raising questions about fairness and its potential impact on international mobility.
The decision also risks straining diplomatic and economic ties. Several of the affected countries maintain growing trade and investment relationships with the United States, and stakeholders warn that higher travel barriers could slow business exchanges and people-to-people connections.
The latest move underscores a broader tightening of immigration controls under Trump, reflecting a continued emphasis on enforcement and risk-based screening. As the policy takes effect in the coming weeks, attention is likely to shift to how widely it is applied – and whether additional countries could be added to the list.
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