This action follows a year-long pilot initiative that began on August 20, 2025. The US State Department reported that this pilot significantly decreased visa overstays among travelers from the specified countries. The new permanent rule became effective on August 3, 2026.
What is a US visa bond?
A visa bond is a security deposit required from specific visa applicants to ensure compliance with US immigration laws.
Under this program, individuals applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, which allows for temporary business and tourism visits, may be asked to provide a financial deposit to the US government. If all regulations are adhered to, the bond will be refunded. However, if conditions of the visa are breached, the deposit may be lost.
Who will the visa bond rule apply to?
This requirement is not mandatory for all US visa applicants.
The stipulation applies strictly to citizens from certain nations identified by the US government based on criteria like high rates of visa overstays, insufficient information exchange, inadequate identity verification, and issues related to travel document screening.
The State Department will be responsible for releasing and updating the list of countries affected by this program. The initial pilot included 50 nations, primarily in Africa, as well as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
How much is the visa bond?
The bond can be set at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000.
The specific amount will be determined by a US consular officer based on the applicant’s individual situation, including purpose of travel, job, income, education, and other relevant factors.
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 test project. Initially, it applied solely to citizens from Malawi and Zambia but was later broadened to encompass 50 countries.
This list includes Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Cote 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, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, and Tunisia.
The list also features Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Is India included in the list?
India does not appear on the current list of 50 countries, meaning that Indian nationals applying for US tourist or business visas will proceed with the standard visa application process and will not be required to furnish a visa bond of up to $20,000.
