A new 12-month pilot program may require a hefty visa bond for tourists from certain countries, adding a new layer to U.S. immigration controls.

The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States.

The US State Department has announced the launch of a visa bond pilot program that will require tourists and business travelers from specific countries to pay bonds of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as part of their visa application process.