The United States could require bonds of up to $15 000 (R270 000) for some tourist or business visas under a pilot programme that is launching in two weeks.

The new programme comes in the context of a tightening of requirements for US visa applications and in efforts to crack down on visitors from countries with high overstay rates and questionable screening and vetting processes.

Spanning over 12 months, the pilot programme is set to commence on August 20.

The notice indicates that US consulate offices would be given discretion to impose bonds on visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays that could range from $5000, $10 000 or up to $15 000 – a move that would likely make it entirely unaffordable for people to travel from certain countries.

Final details of the policy are expected to be published in the Federal Register imminently, but according to a notice, the funds would be returned to travellers if they depart the US in accordance with the terms of their visa.

The Trump administration also issued a travel ban in June that fully or partially blocks travel to the US for citizens of 19 nations, including many in Africa.

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