A few weeks back, I wrote about how the new visa bond rule was going to cause a major impediment for travelers to the US, given the volume of travel due to the soccer world cup in the United States. As per the original announcement, travelers from certain countries would’ve been required to furnish a bond of up to $15,000 even before they could apply for a visa for travel to the United States. The Trump administration has now backtracked and temporarily dropped the requirement ahead of the World Cup.
Tit-for-Tat: $10,000 Visa Bond Imposed on U.S. Citizens Seeking Entry
Trump Admin Relaxes Travel Restrictions
As per Travel Agent Central, the move will help streamline inbound travel to the US and reduce administrative delays by removing the requirement of a bond. At the moment, the policy will apply to international travelers who have secured tickets for the upcoming world cup and are looking to apply for B1/B2 visas.
The US Travel Association and other industry leaders welcomed the announcement.
“We welcome the administration’s decision to waive visa bond requirements for confirmed World Cup ticket holders—a smart, targeted move that will make it easier for more international fans to experience the tournament in the United States,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a prepared statement. “The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase America at its best and strengthen our position as the world’s most sought-after travel destination. Every fan who visits leaves as an ambassador for future travel to the U.S. From establishing the White House Task Force to accelerating visa processing and now suspending visa bond requirements for ticket holders, the administration is taking meaningful action to ensure the U.S. delivers a successful and memorable World Cup experience.”
The Pundit’s Mantra
What’s critical to note over here is that the suspension is just temporary and only for a specific set of visitors. Firstly, you need to have a valid world cup ticket secured before you apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. Secondly, once you have your ticket secured, you’ll be issued a tourist visa, but without the requirement to furnish a bond. However, all visitors will still be subject to all other requirements and will have to comply from a security standpoint, irrespective of the type of visa they apply for. Moreover, the bond requirements will come back into place once the world cup is over.
What do you think about the $15,000 bond requirement? Do you think that it even dissuades genuine tourists to the US? Tell us in the comments section.
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