Papua New Guinea US visa bond dispute

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape announced that his government will seek diplomatic dialogue with the United States regarding a new visa bond requirement. The policy requires certain B-1/B-2 temporary business and tourist visa applicants from Papua New Guinea to provide a refundable bond of approximately US$20,000.

The United States linked the requirement to concerns regarding visa overstays and immigration compliance. While Marape stated that the government respects the sovereign right of the United States to set its own immigration policies, he sought clarification on why Papua New Guinea was included in the programme.

The Prime Minister noted that the bond requirement places a financial burden on ordinary citizens and emphasized that the United States remains a “longstanding friend and partner.” The Department of Foreign Affairs intends to pursue discussions with Washington to understand the data driving the decision and to improve the country’s compliance record.

During the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, Prime Minister Marape met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to further address these issues. Marape specifically requested that the United States move away from using “punitive cash bonds” for Papua New Guinean travelers, suggesting the adoption of modern digital border screening instead. Deputy Secretary Landau stated that the Pacific remains a strategic priority and committed to reviewing the grievances regarding travel bonds with Washington officials.