THE United States government has announced that starting August 20, 2025, Zambian and Malawian citizens eligible for B1/B2 visitor visas will be required to post a financial bond as part of new travel restrictions. This decision is part of a pilot programme established under the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and a recently published Temporary Final Rule (TFR) issued by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. According to a circular from the Department, citizens or nationals traveling on passports issued by Zambia or Malawi, who are otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa, will be required to post a bond of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined during the visa interview. Applicants...