US Expands Visa Bond Requirement: Citizens of 12 New Countries May Now Face Up to $15,000 Cash Bond for B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas

 

The United States Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program, adding 12 new countries to the list of nationalities whose citizens may be required to post a refundable cash bond when applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas.

The update, announced on March 18, 2026, takes effect on April 2, 2026. It brings the total number of countries subject to the program to 50, building on earlier phases rolled out in 2025 and early 2026.

The 12 Newly Added Countries Are:

Cambodia

Ethiopia

Georgia

Grenada

Lesotho

Mauritius

Mongolia

Mozambique

Nicaragua

Papua New Guinea

Seychelles

Tunisia

What Is the Visa Bond Program?

Under this Temporary Final Rule and pilot program (effective until August 5, 2026), certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants from designated countries can be asked to post a refundable cash bond — typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 — as a condition for visa approval.

The bond is intended to deter visa overstays and ensure compliance with the terms of the visit. If the traveler leaves the United States on time and complies with all visa conditions, the bond is refunded. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the bond and potential future visa ineligibility.

Not every applicant from these countries will automatically face the bond requirement — consular officers have discretion based on individual circumstances, overstay risk, and other factors. However, nationals of the listed countries are now eligible for this additional scrutiny.