Trump's costly visa bond program is now permanent

The US has made permanent a visa bond program launched 12 months ago that requires citizens of 50 countries, including 30 from Africa, to post bonds to obtain tourist and business visas. The State Department raised the maximum bond amount to $20,000 from the previous $15,000 and removed the $5,000 tier. Consular officers previously set the bond based on individual circumstances, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

The State Department attributes the program's success to a near-zero rate of overstays in bonded countries. However, critics argue the bonds impose a significant financial burden on travelers. The expansion of the program comes amid a broader campaign urging African nations to accept deportees from other nations, with Nigeria being one of the countries that refused to do so.

The expansion coincides with the recall of career diplomats, leaving over 40 African nations without confirmed ambassadors, and the cessation of visa-processing at several US missions across the continent. The number of visas issued from countries on the list has fallen by 83% since the pilot program began. US-Africa policy analysts warn that the visa restrictions, combined with the closure of USAID, send a mixed message to African governments that Washington is courting for critical minerals partnerships to counter China's influence in the region.