Kenyans planning to visit the United States for tourism or business may soon face stricter visa requirements after Washington introduced a permanent Visa Bond Program.

According to the Department of State, the new visa rules and bond requirement will take effect on August 3.

The new program, according to the Department of State, will replace a one-year pilot program launched in August 2025.

However, the U.S. Department emphasized that the new set of rules applies to some applicants seeking B-1 business visas and B-2 tourist visas in select countries.

Under the program, U.S. consular officers may require applicants from designated countries to post a refundable bond of about KSh1.3 million, KSh1.9 million orKSh2.6 million, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

“Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers,” the Department of State directed.

U.S. authorities argued that the measure is intended to reduce visa overstays and encourage compliance with immigration laws.

Also Read: Relief for Kenyans as South Sudan Clarifies New Visa-Free Entry Rules

Visa Bond Program

The bond will function as a financial guarantee that a visitor will follow the conditions of their visa and observe the authorized stay limit according to the authority.

Unlike standard visa fees, the bond is refundable. Under the new visa regulations, applicants who comply with all immigration requirements and depart the United States on time will be refunded.

However, the bond requirement will not apply automatically to every visa applicant, with consular officers determining whether a bond is necessary during the visa application process.

Applicants required to pay a bond must complete the…