Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
Harare – Zimbabwean citizens applying for short-term business or tourism visas to the United States will now be required to post a financial bond of up to US$15,000, following the country’s addition to a new US State Department pilot program.
The requirement, which takes effect on January 21, 2026, places Zimbabwe on a list of countries whose nationals are subject to the bond under Section 221(g)(3) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
In a statement released Tuesday, the US State Department confirmed the move, linking it to visa overstay rates.
“The Department of State has identified nationals from these countries as needing visa bonds,” the statement read.
It further clarified that “visa overstay rates are based on the B1/B2 overstay rates per the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit Overstay Report.”
The bond applies specifically to applicants for B1/B2 non-immigrant visas who are otherwise found eligible. The exact sum will be determined at the visa interview.
“Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000,” the State Department outlined.
The bond is refundable provided the traveler complies with all the terms of their visa, including departing the United States before the authorized admission period expires. The policy is established under a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) for the pilot program.
The move is expected to significantly raise the cost and financial risk associated with applying for US business and tourist visas for Zimbabwean passport holders, potentially impacting travel for trade, tourism, and professional engagements.
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