U.S. Expands Visa Bond Requirement to 38 Countries

Key Points

• The U.S. has expanded its visa bond requirement to travelers from 38 countries, including 25 newly added nations, many in Africa.
• Visa bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 may be required for B-1/B-2 visa applicants from these countries, with bonds returned if terms are met.
• The expansion poses additional challenges for U.S. tourism, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as inbound travel remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Summary

The Trump administration has expanded the U.S. visa bond policy to include 38 countries, adding 25 nations to the list whose citizens may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 for B-1 and B-2 visas. The policy, designed to address high visa overstay rates, allows consular officers discretion in setting bond amounts and requires travelers to use specific U.S. ports of entry. The move adds further obstacles for U.S. inbound tourism at a time when international arrivals have not fully recovered from the pandemic, and some affected countries are expected to send visitors for the 2026 World Cup.