Trump’s $20,000 US visa bond rule may expand beyond 50 countries; travel industry warns it could hurt tourism, economy

The US travel industry has expressed worries that the Trump administration may extend its visa bond program from its current 50 covered countries, potentially harming tourism and the American economy. The US Travel Association's President, Geoff Freeman, told Reuters that expanding the program to more countries could have a "detrimental effect" on the US economy and travel sector.

Currently, the pilot program requires visa applicants from 50 countries, mostly in Africa and other regions, to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000. The bond is forfeited if a traveler overstays their authorized period or breaks other immigration rules. The administration claims the program tackles visa overstays and security concerns related to information sharing and document systems in high violation countries.

Visa issuances to covered countries dropped 83% in the pilot's first 10 months, and overstays decreased significantly, the administration says. However, the travel industry argues the program could deter legitimate travelers along with those at higher risk. Freeman noted that the covered countries account for less than 2% of US visitors, limiting the program's direct impact.

Nonetheless, the travel sector is already seeing a decline in international arrivals, with Canada down 25% and Asia at around 50% of 2019 levels. Preliminary data shows total overseas travel to the US fell 4.3% through June, despite the FIFA World Cup being held. Freeman warned that weaker-than-expected visitor numbers during the World Cup should serve as a warning against policies that could discourage international travel further.