PNG Travellers Face US$15,000 Bond Under New US Visa Rules

 A new travel requirement will soon affect citizens of Papua New Guinea planning to visit the United States, with authorities introducing a hefty visa bond for certain travellers.

From April 2, PNG nationals applying for business or tourist visas will need to provide a US$15,000 security deposit under an expanded policy introduced by the United States Department of State.

PNG Travellers Face US$15,000 Bond Under New US Visa Rules/AI Graphics

The move places PNG among 50 nations targeted under the visa bond scheme, with the government saying the measure is intended to curb visa abuse and overstaying.

While PNG is the only Pacific country added in this latest announcement, it now joins Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, which were included earlier in January.

Authorities in Washington stated that the bond applies specifically to B1 and B2 visa categories. Travellers who follow all visa conditions and depart the US within the allowed period will have their money refunded.

The department emphasised that the initiative is already delivering financial benefits, reducing the burden on taxpayers linked to immigration enforcement.

“It costs the US taxpayer over $18,000 on average to remove an alien illegally present in the United States. The Department of State is saving US taxpayers up to $800 million per year that would otherwise be required to remove these aliens who overstay.”