Zambia Raises Concern Over US Visa Bond Requirement for B-1/B-2 Applicants

The Government of Zambia has expressed serious concern over a recent decision by the United States to impose visa bond requirements on certain categories of Zambian travellers, warning that the measure could have far-reaching economic and diplomatic implications.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it had taken note of the US Government’s announcement, made on 5 August 2025, introducing visa bonds for B-1 (temporary business) and B-2 (tourism, family visits and medical treatment) visa applicants.

Under the new measure, which takes effect on 20 August 2025, Zambian nationals in these categories will be required to pay a visa bond ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, the exact amount to be determined at the time of their visa interview. The requirement stems from a pilot programme under Section 221(g)(3) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and the corresponding Temporary Final Rule.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., said that while the United States has the sovereign right to implement policy changes, the decision was “contrary to the spirit” of discussions held on 9 July 2025 at State House with US Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr Michael C. Gonzales. 

Those talks, he noted, had focused on “exploring new pathways to deepen the enduring partnership” between the two nations.

The Ministry warned that the policy could negatively impact trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, adding that it placed “unnecessary financial strain on Zambian nationals”.

Clarifying the scope of the measure, the Ministry stated that it only applies to Zambian nationals applying for B-1 and B-2 visas after 20 August 2025, and does not affect:

• Zambians applying for student visas; or
• Zambians already holding valid B-1/B-2 visas issued before 20 August 2025.

The Government has moved to engage with the United States “at the highest level through formal diplomatic channels” to seek clarity on the programme and explore solutions that protect the mutual interests of both countries.

The Ministry assured the public that the matter was being treated with “urgency and seriousness”.