US Expands Visa Bond Program, Adds 25 More Countries to Mandatory Bond List
The United States has significantly expanded its visa bond program by making citizens of 25 additional countries subject to mandatory bond payments when applying for visas.
The newly added countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Nepal, Nigeria, Venezuela, along with several other African, Asian, and Latin American nations. Applicants from these countries will now be required to pay a bond ranging from **$5,000 to $15,000** when applying for **B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas**.
With the inclusion of these new countries, the total number of nations covered under the visa bond program has increased to **38**. The new requirement will come into effect on **January 21**.
According to a statement issued by the **US State Department**, the exact bond amount will be determined during the visa interview process. The payment of the bond does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. In case the visa application is rejected or the bond conditions are not fulfilled, the bond amount will be refunded.
The policy was initially launched as a **pilot program in August 2025**, aimed at reducing the number of individuals who overstay their visas and remain in the United States illegally after their visa expires.
