US Government Expands Visa Bond Policy to 12 More Countries, Affecting 50 Nations Total
The United States government has significantly expanded its visa bond policy, now requiring citizens from 12 additional countries to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as a condition for applying for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. This move raises the total number of affected nations to 50, with the new requirements set to take effect on April 2, 2026. Officials from the US Department of State, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the bond aims to reduce visa overstays among short-term visitors, with the amount varying based on individual circumstances as determined by consular officers.
New Countries Subject to $15,000 Visa Bond Requirement
The dozen newly added countries include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. These nations join 38 previously listed countries, many of which are in Africa and other regions with historically higher rates of visa overstays. The bond program is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to strengthen immigration compliance and national security, though it does not guarantee visa issuance and acts primarily as a financial assurance that visitors will adhere to their stay conditions.
Human Rights Criticism and Policy Impact
Human rights groups have strongly criticized the policy, labeling it burdensome and potentially prohibitive for travelers from poorer countries. Critics argue that the high bond thresholds could deter legitimate tourists and business travelers, raising fairness concerns. However, US authorities maintain that the initiative has contributed to lower overstay rates among targeted nationalities, reinforcing its effectiveness in managing immigration flows.
Earlier Expansion and Broader Visa Rule Changes
This expansion follows a previous update in which the US added seven countries to the bond requirement list, including Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan, effective January 1. Additionally, the US has proposed other tough visa rules, such as requiring a five-year social media history from visitors from dozens of countries eligible for visa-free travel under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) program. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to tighten entry protocols amid global security and immigration challenges.
