US Expands Visa Bond Rules to More Countries

WASHINGTON — The United States Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program to include seven additional countries, bringing the total roster of affected nations to 38 as of early January 2026. The expansion targets B1/B2 visa applicants from countries identified as having high visa overstay rates or offering Citizenship by Investment programs with no residency requirement. The seven newly added countries are Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan. The additions took effect on January 1 and January 6, 2026, according to the State Department.

What the Visa Bond Program Requires

Under the pilot, eligible visa applicants from designated countries must post refundable bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, determined by the consular officer at the visa interview. Payment is made through Pay.gov using DHS Form I-352. The bond is refunded after the applicant departs the United States within the authorized period, confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or if the visa is denied. The program applies exclusively to new B1/B2 visas for short-term business and tourism travel. Existing visa holders are not affected. Entry under the bonded visa is restricted to three airports: Boston Logan International (BOS), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Washington Dulles International (IAD). The pilot runs from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026. It was authorized by a Temporary Final Rule published in the Federal Register and launched under the Trump administration as part of broader immigration enforcement measures aimed at reducing visa overstays.

Why These Countries Are Targeted

The State Department identifies nations for inclusion based on two primary criteria: statistically high rates of B1/B2 visa overstays and the availability of citizenship-by-investment schemes that do not require physical residency. Both factors are viewed as indicators of elevated risk for individuals who may enter the U.S. and fail to depart on schedule. The original pilot launched in August 2025 with a smaller set of African nations, including Malawi, Zambia, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania. By October 2025, the list had grown modestly. The most significant expansion came on January 21, 2026, when 25 additional countries were added, including Venezuela, Nigeria, Cuba, Algeria, and Angola, according to Axios. The January additions of Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan bring the total to 38 countries, the majority in Africa, with representation from South America and Asia.

Countries Added January 1 and January 6, 2026

The seven countries subject to the visa bond requirement as of early January are:

• Bhutan: January 1, 2026
• Botswana: January 1, 2026
• Central African Republic: January 1, 2026
• Guinea: January 1, 2026
• Guinea-Bissau: January 1, 2026
• Namibia: January 1, 2026
• Turkmenistan: January 6, 2026

Impact on Travelers from Affected Countries

For applicants from the 38 designated nations, the bond requirement creates a substantial financial barrier to U.S. travel. A $15,000 bond, even if refundable, represents a significant upfront cost that many travelers, particularly from developing economies, may struggle to afford. The bond does not guarantee visa approval; applicants can still be denied after posting the payment. The policy also introduces logistical complexity. Travelers must secure funds, complete the payment process via a U.S. government portal, and limit their U.S. entry to one of three East Coast airports. For travelers whose final destinations lie elsewhere in the United States, this routing requirement adds cost, time, and inconvenience. Critics of the program argue that it effectively prices many legitimate travelers out of access to the United States, disproportionately affecting nationals of lower-income countries. Supporters view it as a necessary enforcement tool to address persistently high overstay rates and strengthen vetting for countries with weaker passport security or residency oversight.

What Happens After the Pilot Ends

The visa bond pilot is scheduled to conclude on August 5, 2026. At that point, the State Department will evaluate whether the program effectively reduced overstay rates and whether it should be made permanent, modified, or discontinued. If the program proves administratively burdensome or ineffective, it may expire. If it demonstrates measurable success in reducing overstays, it could be expanded to additional countries or made a permanent component of U.S. visa policy. For now, travelers from the 38 affected countries planning U.S. trips in 2026 should prepare for the bond requirement, verify their eligibility for a refund, and budget for the upfront cost. The bond is refundable only if the traveler departs on time or if the visa application is denied. Overstaying or violating the terms of admission forfeits the bond.

What Travelers Should Know

The visa bond pilot does not replace the standard visa application process. Applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements, provide documentation, attend consular interviews, and demonstrate nonimmigrant intent. The bond is an additional requirement layered on top of existing procedures. Travelers should confirm whether their country of nationality is subject to the bond requirement before scheduling visa interviews. The State Department maintains an updated list of affected countries on its official website. Payment instructions, refund eligibility, and entry airport restrictions are detailed in the pilot program guidelines. For travelers from countries not on the list, visa procedures remain unchanged. For those from the 38 designated nations, the bond requirement represents a new cost and complexity that will shape travel planning through at least August 2026.