(MENAFN) In a reciprocal move, Mali has introduced visa bond requirements for citizens of the United States.

This measure comes as a response to the US government’s recent policy demanding that Malian nationals applying for business or tourist visas provide financial guarantees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, effective from October 23.

Mali’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on Sunday criticizing what it called a “unilateral decision” by Washington, stating that the policy goes against a 2005 bilateral agreement between the two nations.

This agreement had previously enabled long-term, multiple-entry visas. The ministry emphasized, “In application of the principle of reciprocity, Mali has decided to introduce an identical visa program, imposing on American nationals the same conditions and requirements as those applied to Malian citizens.”

The visa bond policy stems from a pilot initiative announced by the US Department of State, targeting five African nations: Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, and The Gambia.

The one-year program aims to reduce high rates of visa overstays.

Since August, travelers from Zambia and Malawi have already been subjected to bond payments as high as $15,000 when applying for US visas.

Individuals affected by this policy are required to submit their bond payments through a portal managed by the US Treasury Department.

Furthermore, their entry and exit into the United States are limited to three specific airports.

According to the State Department, the bond amount will be fully reimbursed if applicants honor all visa terms, which include departing the US before their authorized stay expires and complying with the bond requirements.

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