Mali Imposes Visa Bond on U.S. Citizens After U.S. Requires Up to $15K Bond from Malians

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) of Mali has announced the country’s decision to implement a reciprocal visa program in response to a new requirement set by the United States for Malian nationals.

The decision follows the US implementation of a pilot visa bond program, set to take effect October 23, 2025, for Malian citizens, which requires eligible Malian citizens seeking business or tourist visas (B-1/B-2) to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 to obtain their visa.

In a press release issued on Friday, the Ministry acknowledged the US measure but expressed its displeasure with the unilateral decision, stating it undermines the provisions of the Long-Term Multiple-Entry Visa Agreement between the two countries, which came into force on April 14, 2005.

Applying the principle of reciprocity, Mali has decided to institute an identical visa program for U.S. citizens. This new program will impose the same conditions and requirements on U.S. citizens as those now applied to Malian citizens seeking entry into the United States.

The MAECI reiterated Mali’s longstanding history of cooperation with the US on irregular migration, always maintaining respect for human rights and dignity.

The press release concluded by reaffirming the Malian government’s commitment to promoting fruitful cooperation with the United States within the framework of dialogue and mutual respect.

The Malian government’s decision comes in reaction to the expansion of the U.S. Department of State’s visa bond program, which was expanded on October 8, 2025.

Mali, along with Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania, was added to the list of countries subject to the requirement, effective October 23, 2025. Citizens of The Gambia were included with an effective date of October 11, 2025, while Malawi and Zambia were included earlier, effective since August 20, 2025.

The initiative is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR). It was launched on August 20, 2025, and is set to continue until August 5, 2026.

The program specifically targets nationals of countries identified by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) FY 2024 Overstay Report as having high visa overstay rates, inadequate vetting processes, or lenient citizenship programs.

Nationals of the seven listed countries who are otherwise eligible for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visitor visa must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The exact amount is determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.

Applicants must submit DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) and agree to the terms via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform, but only after explicit instruction from a consular officer. The bond is refunded in full if the visa holder complies with all visa and bond terms, departing on or before their authorized stay expires.

Breaches, such as overstaying or applying to adjust status (including asylum claims), are referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review and may result in bond forfeiture. No interest is paid on the bond.

Visas issued under this pilot program are valid for three months, allow a single entry, and the stay may be limited to 30 days by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon entry.

Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the U.S. only through designated ports: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).