US Expands Visa Bond Program to Over 40 Countries
The United States Department of State has officially announced a major expansion of its visa-bond pilot program. This move directly affects nationals from more than forty countries who apply for US business or tourist visas. Starting in 2026, these applicants may need to pay a substantial refundable bond.
What Are Visa Bonds and How Do They Work?
Visa bonds act as monetary assurances for the US government. They guarantee that non-immigrant visa applicants will follow all US immigration rules. Under this pilot program, individuals who qualify for B1 or B2 visas might face bond payments of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
The State Department issued an updated list on January 8, 2026. This list clearly specifies which countries will face the new requirement. It also outlines when the rules take effect and how they will function in practice.
This policy relies on INA Section 221(g)(3) and a specific Temporary Final Rule. The Department of Homeland Security's Entry/Exit Overstay Report identified these countries. They have higher B1/B2 overstay rates compared to other nations.
Countries Subject to the New Visa Bond Requirement
The visa bond requirement applies to passport holders from the following countries. The dates in brackets show when the rule becomes active in each location:
- Algeria (January 21, 2026)
- Angola (January 21, 2026)
- Antigua and Barbuda (January 21, 2026)
- Bangladesh (January 21, 2026)
- Benin (January 21, 2026)
- Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
- Botswana (January 1, 2026)
- Burundi (January 21, 2026)
- Cabo Verde (January 21, 2026)
- Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
- Côte d’Ivoire (January 21, 2026)
- Cuba (January 21, 2026)
- Djibouti (January 21, 2026)
- Dominica (January 21, 2026)
- Fiji (January 21, 2026)
- Gabon (January 21, 2026)
- The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
- Guinea (January 1, 2026)
- Guinea-Bissau (January 1, 2026)
- Kyrgyzstan (January 21, 2026)
- Malawi (August 20, 2025)
- Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
- Namibia (January 1, 2026)
- Nepal (January 21, 2026)
- Nigeria (January 21, 2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe (October 23, 2025)
- Senegal (January 21, 2026)
- Tajikistan (January 21, 2026)
- Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
- Togo (January 21, 2026)
- Tonga (January 21, 2026)
- Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)
- Tuvalu (January 21, 2026)
- Uganda (January 21, 2026)
- Vanuatu (January 21, 2026)
- Venezuela (January 21, 2026)
- Zambia (August 20, 2025)
- Zimbabwe (January 21, 2026)
This requirement applies regardless of where someone submits their visa application. It follows the applicant's nationality, not the location of the consulate.
How Authorities Determine the Bond Amount
Consular officers will calculate the exact bond amount during the visa interview. Applicants must submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352, known as the Immigration Bond. They also need to make a formal undertaking on the bond.
Applicants should note a critical point. Paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval. If someone pays without specific instructions from a consular officer, the US government will not refund the money.
Payment Procedures and Official Channels
Applicants must wait for direct instructions from a consular officer before submitting Form I-352. All payments must go through Pay.gov, the federal government's official E-Payments platform.
The State Department strongly advises against using third-party websites or agents. The US government accepts no responsibility for money paid outside its official systems.
Designated Ports of Entry for Bonded Visa Holders
People who post visa bonds face strict rules for entering and leaving the United States. They can only use specific ports of entry. Failure to comply may result in denied entry or an unrecorded departure, which could affect bond refunds.
Currently designated ports include:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – active from August 20, 2025
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – active from August 20, 2025
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – active from August 20, 2025
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – active from January 1, 2026
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – active from January 1, 2026
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – active from January 1, 2026
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – active from January 1, 2026
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – active from January 1, 2026
- Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) – active from January 1, 2026
The US government plans to add more ports in phases as the program expands.
When the US Government Refunds the Visa Bond
The visa bond is fully refundable under specific conditions. Refunds occur when:
- DHS data confirm the visa holder left the US on or before their authorized departure date.
- The visa holder never travels to the US before their visa expires.
- The visa holder applies for entry but US officials deny admission at a port of entry.
Officials emphasize that the bond aims to ensure compliance with immigration laws. It does not serve as a revenue-generating measure for the government.
What Constitutes a Bond Breach and Forfeiture
If DHS suspects a bond violation, it refers the case to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for investigation. A bond may be forfeited if:
- The visa holder departs after their authorized stay period ends.
- The visa holder overstays and fails to leave the country.
- The visa holder applies for an adjustment of status, such as seeking asylum.
Key Advice for Affected Applicants
US officials repeatedly stress several important points. Applicants must follow official instructions carefully. They should make payments only after receiving explicit visa approval. Avoiding intermediaries remains crucial.
As this pilot program expands, affected travelers need to include potential bond costs in their financial and travel planning. This new requirement adds a significant layer to the US visa application process for nationals from over forty countries.
