This decision follows a 12-month pilot program that began on August 20, 2025, which the US State Department reported helped decrease visa overstays among travelers from the participating countries. The permanent regulation took effect on August 3, 2026.
What is a US visa bond?
A visa bond is a security deposit collected from select visa applicants to ensure compliance with US immigration laws.
Under this program, an individual applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, which is intended for temporary business visits and tourism, may be asked to place a monetary deposit with the US government. If the traveler adheres to all regulations, the deposit will be refunded. However, if the individual breaches visa conditions, the amount can be forfeited.
Who will the visa bond rule apply to?
This regulation does not affect all US visa applicants.
The requirement is specific to nationals from certain countries identified by the US government based on criteria such as elevated visa overstay rates, limited information sharing, inadequate identity verification systems, and concerns regarding screening and travel documentation.
The State Department will release and update the list of countries included in the program. The initial pilot involved 50 nations, primarily in Africa, alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
How much is the visa bond?
The bond can be set at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000.
A US consular officer will determine the final amount based on the applicant’s unique situation, including their purpose of travel, employment, income, education, and other pertinent details.
Does every tourist visa applicant have to pay the bond?
The US Visa Bond Program was first initiated by the Trump administration in 2025 as a pilot project, initially affecting citizens from just two nations – Malawi and Zambia. The program was subsequently broadened to encompass 50 countries.
This list includes Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, and Grenada.
Additional countries in the program include Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, and Tunisia.
The list further encompasses Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Is India included in the list?
India is not part of the current roster of 50 countries, indicating that Indian citizens applying for US tourist or business visas will continue with the standard visa process and will not need to provide a visa bond of up to $20,000.
