The United States has broadened its Visa bond policy to include 25 additional countries, bringing the total number of affected nations to 38. Under this revised rule, certain travellers will be required to post refundable bonds as high as $15,000 before entering the US, a move aimed at deterring visa overstays and strengthening compliance with US Immigration laws.
The US State Department announced that the updated policy will take effect from January 21, 2026, according to an official notice posted on the department’s website. The move comes less than a week after an earlier addition of seven countries, nearly tripling the number of nations now subject to the visa bond program.
According to US officials, the bonds are intended to serve as a deterrent against visitors overstaying their authorized period. Applicants who qualify for business (B1) or tourist (B2) visas may be asked during their consular interview to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the specific amount determined by the interviewing officer.
Among the newly added countries are Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan in South Asia, alongside several nations from Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific, reflecting the policy’s broader geographical reach.
| Region | Sample Countries Newly Added | Bond Range Required |
|---|---|---|
| South Asia | Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Africa | Algeria, Benin, Nigeria, Senegal | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Latin America & Caribbean | Cuba, Venezuela, Antigua & Barbuda | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Pacific | Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu | $5,000 – $15,000 |
What the Visa Bond Policy Means for Travellers
Citizens of the countries now listed must post a bond before their US visitor visa is issued. The bond must be paid through the US Treasury’s official online platform, and paying it does not guarantee visa approval. However, the bond is refundable if the visa is denied, if the traveller departs the US on time, or if all terms of the visa are fully complied with.
In addition to the bond requirement, applicants under the programme must enter the United States through one of three designated airports: Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, or Washington Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.
The policy builds on a pilot programme initiated in August 2025 aimed at curbing visa overstays by nationals of countries with historically higher overstay rates. While the US government maintains that the bonds will help improve compliance, critics argue that such high bond amounts could effectively price out many legitimate visitors, particularly from developing countries.
Why the Expansion Is Controversial
Supporters of the expanded visa bond requirement argue that it will reduce the number of people who overstay their visas in the United States, placing pressure on immigration enforcement and public resources. However, Human Rights and immigration advocacy groups have criticised the policy, saying it creates significant financial hurdles for ordinary travellers, business visitors, and potential students from affected countries.
While the initiative is part of broader immigration restriction efforts under President Trump—including tighter screening requirements, mandatory in-person interviews, and extended scrutiny of applicants’ social media histories—opponents say it could undermine international travel, people-to-people ties, and economic exchange.
The new visa bond rule is scheduled to be implemented from January 21, 2026, with the goal of strengthening compliance with US visa laws and reducing overstays among nationals of the 38 designated countries.
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