US Expands Visa Bond Requirement to 38 Countries: Up to $15,000 Required

If you're planning to visit the United States from one of 38 countries, you'll now need more than just your passport and visa application — you'll need up to $15,000 in cash as a refundable security deposit.

The Trump administration has dramatically expanded a visa bond pilot program that previously covered just 13 countries. As of January 21, 2026, 25 additional nations have been added to the list, nearly tripling the policy's reach.

Official Source

This information comes from the U.S. Department of State. Always verify current requirements on the official website.

How Much Will You Pay?

The bond amount isn't fixed — it's determined during your visa interview based on your individual circumstances:

$5,000 — Lower risk applicants
$10,000 — Medium risk applicants
$15,000 — Higher risk applicants

The good news? This is a refundable deposit, not a fee. If you follow your visa terms and leave the US on time, you'll get the money back.

How to Pay the Bond

If approved for a visa, you'll need to:

Complete DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond)
Pay through the U.S. Treasury's Pay.gov platform
Agree to all bond terms and conditions

Important: A bond does not guarantee visa issuance. You can still be denied even after paying.

Significant Restrictions Apply

Travelers under this program face stricter conditions than regular B1/B2 visa holders:

Single entry only — No multiple entries on the same visa
Maximum 30-day stay — Compared to the usual 180 days
3-month visa validity — Much shorter than standard 10-year visas
Designated airports only — You must enter and exit through specific ports

Approved Airports (Designated Ports of Entry)

Bond visa holders can only enter and exit through these airports:

Since August 2025: Boston Logan (BOS), New York JFK (JFK), Washington Dulles (IAD)
Since January 2026: Newark (EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX)
Canada (connecting flights): Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal Trudeau (YUL)

Using any other port of entry may result in denied entry or an improperly recorded departure — which could cause you to lose your bond.

Getting Your Money Back

Your bond is returned automatically when:

You depart on time — DHS records your departure before your authorization expires
Visa expires unused — You never traveled to the US
Entry denied — You were turned away at the border

When You Lose Your Bond

USCIS will investigate and potentially forfeit your bond if you:

Overstay your visa — Remain in the US past your authorized date
Adjust immigration status — Apply for asylum, green card, or other status change
Violate visa terms — Work illegally, commit crimes, etc.

Complete List of 38 Countries

The bond requirement now applies to citizens of the following countries:

Africa (24 countries)

Asia & Central Asia (6 countries)

Americas & Caribbean (4 countries)

Pacific Islands (4 countries)

Fiji NEW
Tonga NEW
Tuvalu NEW
Vanuatu NEW

Why Is the US Doing This?

The State Department says the bond program targets countries with high rates of visa overstays. By requiring a substantial financial deposit, officials hope to create a stronger incentive for visitors to leave on time.

The program is part of broader immigration restrictions that also include mandatory in-person interviews, social media vetting, and detailed background checks.

What Critics Say

Immigration advocates argue the policy effectively prices out legitimate travelers who can't afford to tie up $15,000 for months. For many applicants from developing nations, this amount represents years of savings.

The policy has been called discriminatory, as it disproportionately affects travelers from African nations — 24 of the 38 countries on the list are in Africa.

Important Warning

The U.S. Embassy warns against paying bonds in advance through third parties:

"Do NOT pay your bond in advance. Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams. Any payment made before your interview is NOT refundable."

Program Duration

This is currently a pilot program scheduled to run through August 5, 2026. Whether it becomes permanent will depend on the administration's assessment of its effectiveness.

Original Source Hindustan Times