NATIONALS from five Pacific Islands Forum member countries will continue to face United States visa bonds of up to $USD20,000 for temporary travel under the Trump administration’s now-permanent Visa Bond Program.
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are among more than 50 countries identified by the US for high visa overstay rates and concerns over identity verification, information sharing and travel document security.
As of August 3, the final rule removes the previous USD$5,000 bond option and raises the maximum from USD$15,000 to USD$20,000.
US officials say the programme has helped reduce visa overstays.
The requirement applies to selected applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas, with bonds refundable if travellers comply with the terms of their stay.
Source: RNZ