Government says it has taken urgent steps to engage the United States over new visa bond requirements for certain categories of Zambian applicants.
This follows announcement that Zambians applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism, medical treatment, and family visits) visas will be required to pay a bond of between 5,000 and 15,000 US dollars, determined at the time of the visa interview.
In a press statement issued to the media, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe said the visa bond requirement arises from a pilot programme introduced by the US Government under Section 221(g)(3) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the corresponding Temporary Final Rule (TFR).
“While the Government of the United States of America has the prerogative to initiate policy changes, the Zambian Government views this development with serious concern, given its potential economic implications on trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Mr. Haimbe said the pilot programme does not foster or promote the deepening of bilateral relations; rather, it runs counter to the spirit of mutually beneficial relations between the two sovereign states.
Mr. Haimbe added that the measure will only affect Zambians applying for B-1 and B-2 visas after 20th August 2025, excluding student visa applicants and holders of valid B-1/B-2 visas issued before that date.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that this matter is being treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding Zambia’s national interests through strong international relations.
