The United States has expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program, adding Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Tanzania to the list of countries whose citizens must post a refundable bond before entering the country.
It’s worth noting that the visa bond rule, which initially applied to just two countries, was later expanded to include The Gambia on October 11. With four more nations now added, the total has risen to seven.
What the Visa Bond Program Is About
The Visa Bond Pilot Program, introduced by the US Department of State, requires certain foreign visitors to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before receiving a B1/B2 visa.
The program began on August 20, 2025, and will remain active until August 5, 2026.
The rule applies mainly to travellers from countries with high visa overstay rates or limited vetting systems, as well as nations that offer Citizenship by Investment programs allowing foreigners to acquire citizenship without living there.
The Seven Countries on the Visa Bond List
Here’s the full list of countries currently included in the program:
| Country | Date Added to Visa Bond List |
|---|---|
| Malawi | August 20, 2025 |
| Zambia | August 20, 2025 |
| The Gambia | October 11, 2025 |
| Mali | October 23, 2025 |
| Mauritania | October 23, 2025 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | October 23, 2025 |
| Tanzania | October 23, 2025 |
Any traveler holding a passport from one of these nations, if approved for a B1/B2 visa, must post the bond amount determined during their visa interview. They’ll also be required to complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 before visa issuance.
Why the US Is Imposing Visa Bonds
According to the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2024 Overstay Report, certain countries show consistently high visa overstay rates.
For example:
- The Gambia had an overstay rate of 38.79% for visitor visas and 18.6% across all categories.
- Malawi recorded 14.32% (by land) and 4.17% (by air/sea) for B1/B2 visas, and nearly 19.71% for student categories.
- Zambia showed over 10% for visitor visas.
In comparison, India’s overstay rate was just 1.29% for B1/B2 visas in 2023.
The aim of this policy is to reduce visa overstays and encourage compliance with US immigration rules.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Travellers who post a visa bond must enter and exit the US only through these designated airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
When the Bond Is Refunded
The visa bond is fully refundable if the traveler complies with all visa terms. It will be automatically canceled and returned when:
- The traveller leaves the US before their authorized stay ends.
- The traveller does not use the visa before it expires.
- The traveller is denied admission at the port of entry.
In short, the bond works like a deposit. Follow the rules, and you get it back.
What Travellers Should Know
If you’re from any of the seven listed countries, factor in the bond amount and entry point requirements when planning your trip. The policy doesn’t block travel to the US, but it does raise the bar for compliance and documentation.
The United States sees this as a way to balance openness to visitors with stronger immigration accountability. For travelers, it means extra preparation, but also a clearer sense of what’s expected before stepping on US soil.
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