Trump administration to require $25,000 bonds for travellers to enter the US

(Image: WSJ)

Tue, 05 Aug 2025

By Robbie GramerThe United States' State Department may require travellers entering the US from certain countries to post a bond of up to US$15,000 (NZ$25,401), a move aimed at deterring foreigners from overstaying their visas.Applicants for business and tourist visas from countries with high overstay rates would provide the funds to the US Treasury and get them back if they exited before their visas expired, according to a notice published Monday outlining the yearlong pilot program.The bond amount of between US$5,000 and US$15,000 would b...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets

Oceania Healthcare extends dividend freeze

The retirement village operator hasn't paid a dividend since June 2023.

John Anthony 11:35am

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Friday, Nov 21

Can you get a perfect 10?

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Infrastructure

Reform wave reshapes energy sector as investors circle NZ

Nearly half of surveyed offshore investors planning an acquisition.

Ian Llewellyn 5:00am

Reform wave reshapes energy sector as investors circle NZ

Sponsored

Cybersecurity skills gap leaving Kiwi businesses at risk - report

A cybersecurity skills shortage is creating additional cyber risks, according to a new global report.

Fortinet

Sponsored

Spark’s partner strategy sets the bar for innovation

Spark

More Travel

Markets

1,200 Air NZ flight attendants vote to take strike action

About 1,200 Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted to take strike action, the union says.The union said those who voted for strike action worked across international, domestic and regional routes and had been trying for months to get better pay and rosters.Michael Wood, director o...

Staff reporters 18 Nov 2025