Headline: New US Visa Bond Requirement for Tanzanians Takes Effect, Prompting Diplomatic Dialogue
Date: October 14, 2025
A new U.S. visa policy requiring Tanzanian citizens to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 for business and tourist visas is set to take effect on October 23, 2025, a move that has prompted the Tanzanian government to seek a “fair and respectful” resolution through diplomatic channels .
The U.S. Department of State announced the measure as part of a 12-month Visa Bond Pilot Program, which targets countries with high visa overstay rates, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report . The program is authorized under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) .
🇺🇸 For Travelers: Key Details of the Visa Bond
Under the new rules, Tanzanian nationals who are found otherwise eligible for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa will be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined by a consular officer during the visa interview .
· Refund Conditions: The bond is fully refundable if the traveler complies with all visa terms. This includes departing the U.S. on or before the authorized date, not traveling to the U.S. before the visa expires, or being denied admission at a U.S. port of entry . The refund is processed automatically, and no interest is paid on the held amount .
· Payment Process: Applicants must only post the bond after being directly instructed by a consular officer, using the official U.S. Treasury platform, Pay.gov, with the DHS Form I-352. The U.S. government warns that payments made through third-party sites are non-refundable and will not guarantee a visa .
· Strict Travel Restrictions: The visa comes with specific conditions. Holders must enter and exit the United States exclusively through one of three designated airports: Boston Logan International (BOS), New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK), or Washington Dulles International (IAD). Failure to do so may result in denied entry or an improperly recorded departure, potentially leading to bond forfeiture . Reports also indicate that visas issued under this program will be valid for only three months and allow for a single entry .
🇹🇿 Tanzania’s Response: Diplomacy and Dialogue
The Government of Tanzania has confirmed it is engaging with the United States following the announcement. In an official statement, Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa emphasized that the decision was reached while discussions on migration were already ongoing between the two nations .
“The Government will continue to engage the United States through diplomatic channels to seek a fair, respectful, and mutually beneficial resolution,” Mr. Msigwa stated, underscoring the long-standing relationship between the countries that has lasted for more than four decades . He urged Tanzanians to continue following standard visa application procedures through the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam .
🌍 Regional Context and Reactions
Tanzania is not alone in being subject to the new requirement. The U.S. pilot program now includes seven African nations in total :
· Effective October 23, 2025: Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania.
· Effective October 11, 2025: The Gambia.
· Effective August 20, 2025: Malawi and Zambia.
The policy has already sparked a firm response from one of the affected countries. Mali has imposed retaliatory visa bond fees on U.S. citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity and condemning the U.S. move as a violation of a 2005 bilateral accord .
While the U.S. government justifies the program as a tool to ensure compliance with immigration laws, critics argue it could create significant financial and logistical hurdles for legitimate travelers, including businesspeople and tourists, potentially impacting economic and cultural exchanges .
The Tanzanian government has assured its citizens that it will provide further updates as diplomatic talks progress .
