U.S. B1/B2 Visa Bond Rises to $15,000 for 12 New Countries
Twelve new countries must deposit a $15,000 bond to qualify for U.S. visitor visas starting April 2, 2026, as the State Department expands its Visa Bond Program to combat illegal overstays.
The U.S. government announced on March 18 a significant tightening of short-stay visa policy. From April 2, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will extend its mandatory bond program (Visa Bond Program) to 12 additional countries, bringing the total number of affected nationalities to 50. The measure took effect in August 2025 and has been piloted with several nationalities.
The stated goal: to curb illegal overstays, which cost U.S. taxpayers millions annually.
How the Visa Bond Program Works
The Visa Bond Program ties B1 (business) or B2 (tourism/medical) visa issuance to a refundable cash deposit. Travelers from newly listed countries will be required to post a bond of $15,000 USD (≈ €13,800) before a visa can be approved and issued.
Process: You attend your consular interview. If your application is approved, you must lodge the $15,000 fee. After traveling within authorized dates and proof of timely departure, the bond is refunded upon return to your home country.
Results so far: State Department data show 97 % of bonded travelers returned on time during early phases of the program.
Newly Added Countries
The policy targets nationalities with historically high overstay rates after B1/B2 visas expire. From April 2, 2026, the following 12 countries will join the 38 already covered, for a total of 50:
Africa: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tunisia
Asia / Oceania: Cambodia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea
Europe / Caucasus: Georgia
Americas / Caribbean: Grenada, Nicaragua
Existing countries include Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, Central African Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Travelers from the Visa Waiver Program countries—principally in Europe plus Qatar—and those entering under an ESTA for up to 90-day stays remain exempt.
