In order to ensure timely departure from the United States of certain travelers, on December 24, 2020, the State Department will begin a limited six-month visa bond pilot program. Visa applicants potentially subject to the bond requirement include applicants applying for a B nonimmigrant visa from a country with a high overstay rate such as Sudan who also have an approved inadmissibility waiver from the Department of Homeland Security and are otherwise eligible. This pilot program will not affect visa applicants who do not have a current inadmissibility, which constitutes the vast majority of B visa applicants in these countries, including Sudan. We are committed to deterring visa overstays and making sure travelers to the United States respect our laws. The implementation of this pilot builds on our engagement with foreign governments in recent years and will ensure continued progress to reduce overstay rates. For more information, we refer you to the Federal Register.