If you’re planning a trip to the United States on a visitor visa, there’s a new rule worth paying attention to. It doesn’t apply to everyone, but if it does apply to you, it could mean paying a large refundable deposit before you travel.
Here’s what’s changing, and what it actually means in simple terms.
What Is the New US Visa Bond Rule?
The US government is expanding a rule that requires some travellers to pay a security bond when applying for a B1/B2 visa (business or tourist visa).
- The bond can be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
- You only pay it if asked during your visa interview
- You get the money back if you follow all visa rules and leave on time
The US introduced this new visa bond requirement to reduce the number of people who stay in the country longer than allowed.
12 New Countries Added From April 2, 2026
Starting April 2, 2026, the US may ask travellers from the following countries to pay a visa bond:
- Cambodia
- Ethiopia
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- Nicaragua
- Papua New Guinea
- Seychelles
- Tunisia
With this update, the visa bond rule now applies to 50 countries in total.
The State Department is keeping America’s borders secure and preventing visa overstays.
Nationals from 50 countries will soon be required to provide a $15,000 bond for business and tourist visas – returned to those who comply with their visa terms and return home on time. pic.twitter.com/SewS69b0Pb
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 18, 2026
How Much Do You Actually Have to Pay?
Here’s the key point: not everyone pays $15,000. The amount depends on your case and is decided by the visa officer during your interview.
- Low risk → $5,000
- Medium risk → $10,000
- Higher risk → up to $15,000
You will only be told to pay after your interview, not before.
Important Rules You Shouldn’t Ignore
There are a few strict conditions attached to this bond:
1. Pay Only Through Official Channels
You must:
- Submit Form I-352
- Pay through the official US government platform (Pay.gov)
Avoid third-party websites. If you pay without official instruction, you won’t get your money back.
2. Paying the Bond Doesn’t Guarantee a Visa
This catches many people off guard. Even if you agree to pay the bond, your visa can still be refused. The bond is just an extra requirement, not approval.
3. Entry Rules Are Stricter
If you are issued a visa with a bond:
- You must enter and leave the US via commercial airports only
- Land borders and sea routes are not allowed
- Charter flights and private jets are also excluded
If you don’t follow this, your departure may not be recorded properly, which can delay or cancel your refund.
When Do You Get Your Money Back?
The bond is refunded automatically if:
- You leave the US on time
- You don’t use the visa at all
- You are denied entry at the airport
When Can You Lose the Bond?
You may lose the money if:
- You overstay your visa
- You leave late
- You apply for a change of status (for example, asylum)
In such cases, US authorities will review your case before deciding.
Why Is the US Doing This?
The US says this move is based on data showing some countries have higher visa overstay rates.
The goal is simple: encourage travellers to follow visa rules and return home on time.
Officials say the program has already helped reduce overstays.
Who Is NOT Affected?
If you travel to the United States without a visa under the ESTA system, this rule does not apply to you. This mainly affects travellers who need a B1/B2 visa.
What This Means for Travellers
Here’s the real takeaway:
- Not everyone will be asked to pay
- If you are asked, it’s a temporary deposit, not a fee
- Following the rules means you get your money back
If you’re from one of the listed countries, it is highly advisable to prepare for this possibility before your visa interview.
Full List Now Covers 50 Countries
The US introduced the bond rule in phases starting in 2025 and now covers 50 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
| S. No. | Country | Added On |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambodia | April 2, 2026 |
| 2 | Ethiopia | April 2, 2026 |
| 3 | Georgia | April 2, 2026 |
| 4 | Grenada | April 2, 2026 |
| 5 | Lesotho | April 2, 2026 |
| 6 | Mauritius | April 2, 2026 |
| 7 | Mongolia | April 2, 2026 |
| 8 | Mozambique | April 2, 2026 |
| 9 | Nicaragua | April 2, 2026 |
| 10 | Papua New Guinea | April 2, 2026 |
| 11 | Seychelles | April 2, 2026 |
| 12 | Tunisia | April 2, 2026 |
| 13 | Algeria | January 21, 2026 |
| 14 | Angola | January 21, 2026 |
| 15 | Antigua and Barbuda | January 21, 2026 |
| 16 | Bangladesh | January 21, 2026 |
| 17 | Benin | January 21, 2026 |
| 18 | Burundi | January 21, 2026 |
| 19 | Cabo Verde | January 21, 2026 |
| 20 | Côte d’Ivoire | January 21, 2026 |
| 21 | Cuba | January 21, 2026 |
| 22 | Djibouti | January 21, 2026 |
| 23 | Dominica | January 21, 2026 |
| 24 | Fiji | January 21, 2026 |
| 25 | Gabon | January 21, 2026 |
| 26 | Kyrgyzstan | January 21, 2026 |
| 27 | Nepal | January 21, 2026 |
| 28 | Nigeria | January 21, 2026 |
| 29 | Senegal | January 21, 2026 |
| 30 | Tajikistan | January 21, 2026 |
| 31 | Togo | January 21, 2026 |
| 32 | Tonga | January 21, 2026 |
| 33 | Tuvalu | January 21, 2026 |
| 34 | Uganda | January 21, 2026 |
| 35 | Vanuatu | January 21, 2026 |
| 36 | Venezuela | January 21, 2026 |
| 37 | Zimbabwe | January 21, 2026 |
| 38 | Bhutan | January 1, 2026 |
| 39 | Botswana | January 1, 2026 |
| 40 | Central African Republic | January 1, 2026 |
| 41 | Guinea | January 1, 2026 |
| 42 | Guinea-Bissau | January 1, 2026 |
| 43 | Namibia | January 1, 2026 |
| 44 | Turkmenistan | January 1, 2026 |
| 45 | Mauritania | October 23, 2025 |
| 46 | São Tomé and Príncipe | October 23, 2025 |
| 47 | Tanzania | October 23, 2025 |
| 48 | Gambia | October 11, 2025 |
| 49 | Malawi | August 20, 2025 |
| 50 | Zambia | August 20, 2025 |
If you’re unsure whether your country is included, it’s best to check before applying.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a blanket rule, but it does add a new layer to the US visa process.
For regular travellers who follow the rules, nothing really changes except a possible temporary deposit. But it’s still something you’ll want to plan for before you book that trip.
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