Trump closer to new travel ban for two more countries
The department outlined the new 'visa bond' initiative this week, which targets countries with high rates of visa overstays. The list will first apply to nationals of Malawi and Zambia applying for a tourist visa, but could be amended throughout the program to consider other countries. The pair of African countries were targeted first because they have a high rate of unauthorized overstays.
According to State Department officials, the bond could reach as much as $15,000 per person, though officers will typically set the amount at $10,000 per adult and $5,000 per child. The amount will be determined during the visa interview. The department adds that the bond payment will be returned if the applicants comply with all of the terms set in the visa.
The Daily Mail reached out to both embassies for a reaction to this move, and learned that they were not communicated with by either the White House or State Department on the changes. The Republic of Zambia Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe told the Daily Mail, 'The Zambian government views this development with serious concern, given its potential economic implications on trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. This includes the unnecessary financial strain on Zambian Nationals.'
The Minister added, 'The decision is contrary to the spirit of the meeting held with His Excellency, Mr. Michael Gonzales, Ambassador of the United States of America to Zambia, at State House in Lusaka on July 9, 2025, which centered on exploring new pathways to deepen the enduring partnership between the two nations,' adding that they are now taking immediate steps to engage with the US government through diplomatic channels. The Malawi office of the Ambassador also responded to the Daily Mail, saying, 'The Embassy has not been officially informed about this trending news. As such, the Embassy has no comment at this point.'
David Bier, director of immigration studies at the CATO Institute, told the Daily Mail the policy is 'incoherent' and amounts to an admission 'it will likely just ban people from coming, not just result in compliance.' 'There is no reason to impose such a draconian rule,' Bier added.
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