US Expands Visa Bond Program to 50 Countries

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – The U.S. Department of State has expanded its controversial “visa bond” program, adding 12 more countries whose citizens may be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 when applying for certain U.S. visas. The expansion, announced on Wednesday, increases the total number of affected countries to 50 and will take effect on April 2, 2026.

Under the program, which applies to B‑1 (business) and B‑2 (tourist) visas, applicants from the newly added nations — including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia — may be asked to deposit bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at the time of their visa interview. These funds are returned if the visa is denied or if the visitor obeys the terms of their stay and departs the United States on time. Authorities say the policy aims to reduce visa overstays, noting that nearly 97% of travelers under the bond program have complied with visa terms and returned home as required.

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Critics argue that the requirement creates financial barriers and may disproportionately affect low‑income travelers, while supporters maintain it is an effective tool for improving compliance and border security.