Over the past several months, the United States has rolled out a series of measures aimed at tightening access to U.S. territory.
Among the most significant changes is a Visa Bond Pilot Program targeting certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants. Depending on the case, U.S. consular authorities may now require a refundable deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, which is only reimbursed if the traveler fully complies with the conditions of their stay. For now, this measure applies exclusively to citizens of Malawi and Zambia.
In addition, probably starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. government is expected to introduce a new “visa integrity fee” of $250 for most nonimmigrant visa applications. This fee is intended to fund compliance monitoring but will only be refunded if the applicant strictly follows U.S. immigration rules. The amount will later be adjusted for inflation.
The U.S. Department of State has also announced the elimination of visa interview waivers, which previously allowed certain applicants to renew their visas without appearing in person. As of September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, must now attend an in-person interview with a U.S. consular officer, except in rare circumstances.
Additionally, the fee of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including most Europeans, will increase from $21 to $40 starting September 30, 2025.
New rule for U.S. nonimmigrant visa applications
In this broader context of stricter immigration policies, the Department of State announced a major new requirement on September 6, 2025: nonimmigrant visa applications must now be submitted in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality.
In practice, this means that, with limited exceptions, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a U.S. visa in a third country. The rule, which is “effective immediately”, applies to most temporary visas, including those for tourism, business travel, study programs, internships, and professional assignments.
The State Department specifies that “nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.”
For example, Afghans applicants must go to the U.S. embassy in Islamabad (Pakistan), Cubans to Georgetown (Guyana), Venezuelans to Bogota (Colombia), Iranians to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Belarusians to Vilnius (Lithuania) or Warsaw (Poland), and Russians to Astana (Kazakhstan) or Warsaw.
Tighter rules ahead of major global events
For U.S. visa applicants, these new requirements may lead to longer processing times. Consulates in high-demand countries are expected to face increased workloads, potentially causing longer wait times and fewer available appointments.
These new requirements come at a strategic time for the country, which is preparing to host two major events: the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
With millions of visitors expected, industry professionals fear these new costs and procedures could deter potential travelers. Applicants may now face a combination of higher expenses, including visa bonds, integrity fees, increased ESTA costs, and the visa fee itself.
In the months ahead, the impact of these new rules on tourism and business travel will become clearer. One thing, however, is certain: entering the United States will now require more preparation, more financial resources, and more patience.
