The news: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent, requiring deposits from travelers from designated countries before visa approval. While overstays from targeted nations have dropped significantly, visa approvals themselves have fallen 83% in some markets. The policy is now finalized and will remain in effect.
Why it matters for MICE operators: Indian PCOs and DMCs sending participants to U.S. conferences, exhibitions, and incentive trips now face a structural barrier to demand. The visa bond adds cost, complexity, and processing time — factors that will suppress bookings for U.S.-bound MICE events. You'll need to budget for visa advisory services, communicate bond requirements upfront to clients, and potentially shift some focus to APAC venues or India-based alternatives.
The takeaway: Update your U.S. event proposals with visa bond timelines and costs; consider positioning Asian and domestic venues as lower-friction alternatives to U.S. destinations.
Source: Skift
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