The US State Department has implemented a new visa bond program, requiring citizens from Zambia and Malawi to pay up to $15,000 for tourist visas. The refundable bond aims to deter visa overstays, a policy criticized as discriminatory and exploitative of vulnerable travelers. The program, effective August 20th, is a 12-month pilot project justified by high overstay rates in those countries, although critics argue the policy disproportionately impacts poorer nations. While the US cited high overstay rates as justification, the absolute number of overstays from these countries remains relatively low compared to larger nations.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.