Dar es Salaam – A new United States government policy requiring visa bonds from Tanzanian citizens travelling for business or tourism is set to impose a significant financial burden on prospective travellers.
The measure, effective October 23, 2025, requires applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas to post a refundable bond of up to US$15,000.
While precise statistics on the number of Tanzanians visiting the U.S. annually on these specific visas are not publicly available, data on visa refusal rates suggest a high volume of applicants.
In the 2023 fiscal year, for instance, the adjusted refusal rate for Tanzanian nationals seeking B-visas was 34.13 per cent, indicating a substantial number of applications. The growing Tanzanian diaspora in the U.S., estimated to be near 100,000, further highlights the strong ties and frequent travel that will be impacted by this new requirement.
The Tanzanian government has formally acknowledged the U.S. decision and has communicated its position to the public.
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In a statement, Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa confirmed that the government had “received official information from the U.S. Government regarding the decision to place Tanzania and some other African countries on the list of countries whose citizens will be required to place a visa bond.”
Msigwa emphasised that diplomatic channels remain open, stating: “This decision was reached while discussions on immigration and migration issues were ongoing between Tanzania and the United States.”
“The government would like to assure the public that it will continue with these discussions with the U.S. Government through diplomatic channels to find a solution that considers equality, respect, and the interests of both parties, taking into account our good relationship that has lasted for more than four decades,” Msigwa said.
He further added, “The government of Tanzania insists that its relationship with the United States is built on a foundation of friendship, partnership, and mutual respect of long standing, and therefore this step will not change Tanzania’s intention to continue the good relationship with that country for the benefit of both parties.”
Tanzania is not alone in being targeted by this policy. The U.S. has included several other African nations in the visa bond programme, which is a 12-month pilot aimed at addressing high rates of visa overstays.
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Other countries affected include Malawi, Zambia, The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, and São Tomé and Principe. The implementation dates vary, with the policy having taken effect for Malawi and Zambia on August 20, 2025, and for The Gambia on October 11, 2025.
The U.S. government justifies the move as a tool to ensure compliance with immigration laws, with the bond acting as a financial guarantee that visitors will depart the country as required.
The bond amount, set at US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000, is determined by consular officers during the visa interview. If the traveller adheres to the terms of their visa, the bond is fully refunded.
For now, the Tanzanian government has advised its citizens “to continue following the normal procedures for visa applications through the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania and wherever a Tanzanian visa applicant may be.”
Mr Msigwa assured that the government “will provide more information on this matter when the ongoing talks reach the next stage.”
