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The United States has added Tanzania to a the growing list of countries whose citizens shall be required to pay a visa bond when applying for the B1/B2 visa. This is after the U.S. Department of State announced on October 8, 2025, that Tanzania will join the Visa Bond Pilot Program.
A release by the U.S Embassy in Tanzania stated that starting October 23, visa applicants who are otherwise found eligible for a business/tourist (B1/B2) visa for travel to the United States will be required to post a bond before the visa can be issued.
“The U.S. Government will return the full amount of the bond to the applicant if the applicant complies with all conditions of the visa and departs the United States before the period of admission expires,” the release stated. The bond will be for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
The list of countries whose citizens are affected includes multiple countries from Africa. These countries include Tanzania, Mali, Malawi, Zambia, Mauritania, The Gambia, and Sao Tome and Principe.
“The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview. The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. Applicants must agree to the terms of the visa bond, through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of place of application,” the State Department says in a statement.
However, a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance. “If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, this person will not get that money back,” the department cautions.
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Those who are asked to post the bond will be required to enter the United States through specific airports. These include the JFK International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, and the Washington Dulles International Airport.
