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 v...