Department of State Adds Twelve Countries to B-1 B-2 Visa Bond Requirement List
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The U.S. Department of State has added twelve new countries to the list of nations whose passport holders may face a mandatory bond when applying for temporary B-1 business or B-2 visitor visas. The update, effective from implementation dates specified for each country, requires otherwise eligible applicants to post a bond ranging from five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars.
The newly listed countries include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia. Citizens or nationals holding passports from these countries must now satisfy the bond condition in addition to standard visa eligibility criteria. The Department of State published the expanded list on its website on March 18 with country-specific rollout timelines.
The visa bond program aims to strengthen enforcement of temporary visitor status by providing financial assurance against potential overstay. Amounts vary by country based on assessed risk factors. Applicants found otherwise qualified receive the bond requirement during the interview or processing stage. Bonds are forfeited if the traveler violates the terms of admission.
This expansion follows earlier additions to the bond list and occurs amid broader adjustments in U.S. visa policy. The measure applies only to B-1 and B-2 categories and does not affect other visa types such as student, work or immigrant categories. Travelers from listed countries should consult the latest Department of State guidance before scheduling consular appointments.
The announcement coincides with heightened scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry and airports. International arrivals from affected regions may encounter additional documentation checks. Airlines and travel agents have begun notifying passengers holding bookings that involve B-1 or B-2 entry to the United States.
No immediate changes to visa interview wait times or processing fees were announced alongside the bond requirement. Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and intent to depart after the authorized stay. The bond does not replace existing financial proof requirements but adds a separate layer of security.
Travelers planning short-term visits to the United States from the listed countries should factor potential bond costs and processing delays into their preparations. The Department of State continues to update its visa bond page with further implementation details. Passengers are advised to verify requirements directly through official consular channels prior to travel.
