The United States has widened its visa bond policy to include seven additional countries, requiring some travellers to pay refundable security deposits of up to $15,000 before receiving visas.
US expands visa bond requirement, adding seven countries with deposits reaching up to $15,000
The US State Department has expanded its visa bond policy by adding seven more countries to a programme that requires certain visitors to lodge security deposits of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visitor visas.
This requirement falls under a pilot initiative that will operate between August 20, 2025, and August 5, 2026. The programme applies to nationals of countries identified by US authorities as having elevated visa overstay rates or those that offer citizenship through investment schemes without mandatory residency obligations.
Countries now subject to the visa bond requirement and their respective implementation dates are as follows:
From January 1, 2026:
Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan.
How visa bond amounts are set and paid
Travellers holding passports from any of the listed countries may be asked to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The final amount is determined by the consular officer during the visa interview, based on the applicant’s personal and financial circumstances.
Once instructed by the consular officer, applicants must complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. Payment is then made online through Pay.gov, the US Treasury Department’s official payment system. Applicants are advised not to submit any bond payment unless specifically directed, as unauthorised payments are non-refundable and do not guarantee visa approval.
Rules tied to the visa bond
Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the United States only through approved airports. These include Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Failure to use one of these designated ports could result in denied entry or the traveller’s departure not being properly recorded, potentially affecting bond compliance.
Consequences of violating bond terms
Cases involving breaches of bond conditions are referred by the Department of Homeland Security to US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Violations may include remaining in the US beyond the authorised stay, departing after the permitted period, or applying to change immigration status, including filing for asylum.
When bonds are refunded
Applicants who comply with all bond conditions are eligible for a full refund. Bonds are cancelled once official departure records confirm timely exit through approved airports, or if the visa expires without the holder travelling to the US. Refunds also apply if Customs and Border Protection cancels the visa at the port of entry after determining the traveller is inadmissible.
According to the US Federal Register, refunded bonds under this pilot programme will not earn interest, and eligible applicants will receive the full deposited amount once compliance is verified.
US officials say the pilot programme is designed to test whether financial guarantees can reduce visa overstays without disrupting legitimate travel. By placing a refundable bond requirement on higher-risk categories, authorities aim to encourage compliance with visa terms while still allowing tourism and business travel to continue. The initiative will be evaluated throughout its duration, with data on overstay rates, administrative costs, and traveller behaviour informing any decision to expand, amend, or discontinue the policy after August 2026. Officials have stressed that the programme is limited in scope and does not apply to all applicants from the listed countries.
Immigration experts note that the bond system places greater responsibility on individual applicants rather than imposing blanket travel restrictions. While the deposits may pose a financial challenge for some travellers, analysts say the measure allows US consular officers flexibility to assess risk on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with strong travel histories, stable employment, and clear return plans may be assigned lower bond amounts or, in some cases, not be required to post a bond at all. However, critics argue that the policy could disproportionately affect middle-income travellers and families.
For travellers from affected countries, preparation is key. Applicants are advised to attend visa interviews with clear documentation demonstrating financial stability, employment ties, and intent to return home. Understanding the bond conditions — including designated ports of entry and strict departure requirements — is also essential to avoid forfeiture. Immigration advisers recommend keeping copies of travel records and exit confirmations, as these documents may be required to ensure timely bond refunds. As the programme unfolds, travellers and governments alike will be watching closely to see how the policy impacts mobility and compliance.
