Zimbabwe has been included in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bond pilot program. Starting January 21, 2026, Zimbabwean nationals found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visitor visa will be required to post a financial bond to receive it.
Key Requirements for Zimbabwean Applicants:
- The bond amounts are set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the specific amount determined at the visa interview.
- Applicants must agree to the bond terms and pay via the official U.S. Treasury platform, Pay.gov, only after being directed by a consular officer.
- As a condition, visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the United States through designated major airports, such as JFK, Washington Dulles, or Los Angeles (LAX).
Background and Compliance:
The bond program, based on visa overstay rates, applies to citizens of over 30 countries. The bond will be automatically refunded if the traveler departs the U.S. on time, does not use the visa, or is denied entry at the border. Failure to comply with the terms, including overstaying, will result in the bond being breached and forfeited.
This new requirement adds a significant financial step for Zimbabwean travelers seeking U.S. visitor visas.
