Nov. 14, 2025
NBAA encourages business aircraft operators to familiarize themselves with a recently published temporary final rule from the U.S. Department of State that established a Visa Bond Pilot Program (VBPP) for nationals from certain countries in Africa.
The program went into effect for nationals from Malawi and Zambia on Aug. 20, with the addition of Gambia on Oct. 11 and Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe and Tanzania on Oct. 23. The VBPP will apply for one year from the respective implementation date, requiring those traveling to the United States from the listed countries on a B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visa to post a cash bond prior to entry.
Those persons must arrive at and depart from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
“The processing of nationals from these countries who do not have ‘cash bond posted’ annotated on their visa remains unchanged,” the State Department added. “Should a VBPP alien be encountered at any other U.S. port of entry, aside from exigent circumstances such as a flight diversion, the carrier may be subject to a fine for each traveler brought to the United States.”
While NBAA expects the new program to apply in greater numbers to those traveling by commercial airlines, business aviation flight departments must also comply with VBPP requirements. “International business aircraft operators can be caught unaware by these policy changes,” noted Laura Everington, NBAA director of international operations and regulations. “It’s important for everyone to be fully aware with the requirements to ensure compliance.”
Those with questions about the VBPP, including the authorization for any traveler to board an aircraft or otherwise travel to the United States to seek admission, should contact the appropriate regional carrier liaison group or other designated official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to aircraft departure.
The State Department enacted the bond program to address high overstay rates for nonimmigrants from certain countries, or where it has deemed screening and vetting information to be deficient. The full bond amount, which ranges between $5,000 to $15,000, is fully refundable if the visa holder complies with the terms of their visa and departs the U.S. on schedule.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.