US Expands Visa Bond Rule to 50 Countries
Starting 2 April 2026, the US Department of State has expanded its visa bond program to cover 50 countries.
Under this rule, some travelers applying for B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visas may be asked to pay a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 before their visa is issued.
A visa bond is a security deposit.
- You pay it only if instructed by a consular officer
- The amount depends on your case
- It must be paid through the official government platform
If you follow your visa rules and leave the US on time, the money is returned. If you overstay, the bond may be lost.
Why Is This Being Introduced?
The policy was introduced under the current administration to reduce visa overstays.
US officials say the program is working, claiming it:
- Encourages travelers to return home on time
- Helps reduce enforcement costs
- Saves taxpayer money
However, critics argue that the high cost could make travel harder for many legitimate visitors.
12 New Countries Added to the List
The latest expansion adds 12 more countries to the program:
- Cambodia
- Ethiopia
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- Nicaragua
- Papua New Guinea
- Seychelles
- Tunisia
This brings the total to 50 countries, mostly across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Check the full list on the official US list here.
Who Needs to Pay?
You may be required to pay a bond if:
- You are a citizen of a listed country
- You are applying for a B1/B2 visa
- A consular officer determines it is necessary
Important:
- The bond is not required for all applicants
- It is decided on a case-by-case basis during your interview
If you’re applying for a US visitor visa from one of the listed countries, you should be prepared for a possible additional financial requirement.
To avoid issues, make sure you follow all visa rules carefully, plan ahead for potential extra costs, and only make any payments after receiving official instructions from the consular officer.
Have you applied for a US visa? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
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Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".
When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.
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