Dominican Republic excluded from U.S. $15,000 visa bond requirement

Washington, D.C.- The U.S. State Department has announced a new policy requiring certain B1/B2 visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates to pay a bond of up to $15,000, effective August 20, 2025. The Dominican Republic is not included in this measure.

Part of a 12-month pilot program, the policy currently applies only to Malawi and Zambia. Bond amounts—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—will be set by consular officers and must be paid via Pay.gov. Payment does not guarantee visa approval, and unauthorized payments will be forfeited.

Travelers under this policy must enter the U.S. through Boston Logan, JFK (New York), or Washington-Dulles airports. Bonds will be refunded if all visa conditions and departure requirements are met.

The list of affected countries may be revised, but for now, Dominican applicants remain exempt.