Is There a $15,000 U.S. Visa Bond for Filipinos?

Is there a $15,000 US Visa Bond for Filipinos?

In August 2025, news of a $15,000 visa bond requirement for some travelers to the United States caused confusion and concern among international tourists, including Filipinos. Many asked: Does this rule apply to Philippine passport holders? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the $15,000 U.S. Visa Bond?

The U.S. Department of State has launched a 12-month pilot program requiring certain applicants for B‑1 (business) and B‑2 (tourist) visas to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the discretion of consular officers, though $10,000 is the most common figure mentioned (Kiplinger, 2025).

The bond serves as a financial guarantee that the visa holder will:

• Leave the U.S. on time.
• Depart from specified airports such as JFK, Dulles, or Boston Logan.
• Avoid applying for asylum or overstaying.

If these conditions are met, the bond is fully refundable. If not, it is forfeited (FT, 2025).

Who Needs to Pay the Visa Bond?

The program targets countries with:

• High visa overstay rates
• Weak screening systems
• “Citizenship by investment” programs with lax residency rules

As of its launch on August 20, 2025, the requirement applies only to Malawi and Zambia (Business Standard, 2025).

Does the Rule Apply to Filipinos?

The short answer is no. Filipino tourists and business travelers are not currently required to post a visa bond.

In fact, the Philippines has a relatively low overstay rate compared to other countries. For example, U.S. Department of Homeland Security data shows that only 3.11% of the 210,842 Filipino visitors in 2023 overstayed their visas. This is significantly lower than Malawi’s 14.3% and Zambia’s 11.1% (The Global Filipino Magazine, 2025).

Could Filipinos Be Affected in the Future?

Possibly. The State Department has indicated that the list of affected countries could expand at any time, with just 15 days’ advance notice (Kiplinger, 2025). If overstay rates rise or policies shift, the Philippines could be included in the program.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, there is a $15,000 visa bond pilot program in the U.S. for certain travelers.
• Filipinos are not part of the program as of September 2025.
• The Philippines has relatively low visa overstay rates, which likely kept it off the initial list.
• The program is flexible and could expand to include more countries in the future.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Filipino planning a trip to the U.S., you do not need to worry about paying a $15,000 bond at this time. However, given the evolving nature of U.S. immigration policies, it’s best to stay updated through official sources such as the U.S. Department of State or reputable news outlets.

For now, Filipino travelers can continue applying for B‑1 and B‑2 visas under the existing rules—without the added financial burden.

Sources:

• Financial Times – US to propose some visa applicants post bond of up to $15,000
• Kiplinger – Why Some Tourists May Soon Need to Pay a $15,000 Visa Bond
• Business Standard – US visa fee: $15,000 bond for B1, B2 tourist visas from August 20
• The Global Filipino Magazine – US rolls out $15,000 visa bond rule but Filipinos not on the list yet