U.S. Expands Visa Bond Requirement to 50 Nations

Key Points

• The U.S. has expanded its visa bond requirement to now cover travelers from 50 countries, with bonds up to $15,000.
• The policy, targeting countries with high visa overstay rates, presents new hurdles for U.S. tourism recovery, particularly from emerging markets.
• Visa bond holders are restricted to commercial air ports of entry and cannot use land, sea, or charter air routes.

Summary

The Trump administration has expanded the U.S. visa bond program, requiring travelers from a total of 50 countries—primarily those with high visa overstay rates—to post bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B-1 and B-2 visitor visas. This policy, which now includes 12 new countries, is seen as an added obstacle for U.S. tourism, especially as the industry is still recovering from pandemic lows and faces increased global competition. The visa bond can vary based on consular discretion, and travelers who post a bond are limited to entering the U.S. via commercial air ports of entry only.