US Expands Visa Bond Program Requiring Up to $15,000 Deposits from Additional Countries
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The United States Department of State expanded its visa bond program to include twelve more countries starting April 2 2026. Nationals from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia must now post financial bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 tourist visas if otherwise eligible. The bonds aim to ensure compliance with visa terms and departure requirements.
The program previously covered thirty-eight countries including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Applicants post the bond through approved channels with refunds issued upon verified departure within the authorized period. Failure to depart triggers forfeiture of the full amount plus potential immigration consequences.
State Department officials stated the expansion addresses overstay rates and strengthens enforcement mechanisms for temporary visitor categories. The change follows reviews of historical compliance data from affected nationalities. Processing includes additional verification steps during visa interviews at US embassies and consulates.
Travel industry groups expressed concern over potential deterrence effects on leisure and family visits from the newly listed countries. Booking platforms report early inquiries from agents seeking clarification on bond payment logistics and refund timelines. Affected travelers planning US trips after April 2 must factor in the upfront costs alongside standard visa fees.
The policy aligns with broader US efforts to manage immigration flows while maintaining tourism channels. No changes apply to visa waiver program participants or other non-listed nationalities. Applicants should consult official US embassy websites or the State Department’s Federal Register notice for detailed procedures and eligible bond amounts per case. The measure takes effect amid ongoing global travel adjustments to security and economic factors.
