Two Malawian civil society groups — Youth and Society (YAS) and the National Advocacy Platform (NAP) — have written to President Donald Trump, yep the US president, urging him to reconsider newly announced visa restrictions on Malawian travelers.
The US government recently announced that, starting 20 August 2025, Malawians applying for B1/B2 visas will be required to post a bond of up to USD 15,000. In addition, Malawian students, scholars, and exchange visitors applying for F, M, or J visas will face new requirements to make their personal social media accounts public.
In a joint petition signed by Charles Kajoloweka (YAS Executive Director) and Benedicto Kondowe(NAP Chairperson), the two argued that the rules are “burdensome” and amount to unfair treatment of Malawian citizens.
For now, Malawians applying for US visas may have to prepare both their wallets and their Instagram passwords.
