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Zambia has expressed “serious concern” over a new U.S. policy requiring its citizens to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for business and tourist visas.
The measure, which also applies to nationals of Malawi, is set to take effect on August 20 as part of a one-year pilot program.
The new rule, announced on Tuesday by President Donald Trump’s administration, is intended to reduce the number of visa overstays in the United States.
According to the U.S., the bond amount—which can range from $5,000 to $15,000—will be determined during the visa interview and will be refunded if the traveller leaves the country on time. If the person overstays their visa, the funds will be forfeited.
Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe released a statement condemning the measure, saying it will cause “unnecessary financial strain” on Zambians and has potential “economic implications on trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.”
He added that the policy does not “foster or engender the deepening of bilateral relations” and is “counter to the spirit of mutually beneficial relations” between the two nations.
Haimbe confirmed that the Zambian government has reached out to Washington to discuss the matter.
