US Visa Bond Policy Update: 38 countries now required to pay up to $15,000 for visitor visas – all you need to know

Visitors from 38 countries may now need to pay a visa bond of up to USD 15,000—here’s the full list, rules and what it means for travellers.

• US expands visa bond policy to 38 countries, requiring up to USD 15,000 deposit
• Indian travellers are not affected by the new US visa bond requirements
• Entry for affected travellers limited to three US airports starting August 2025

Did our AI summary help?

Planning a trip to the United States just got more complicated for travellers from several parts of the world. The US government has expanded its controversial visa bond policy, adding more countries to the list of nations whose citizens may be required to deposit a hefty sum—up to USD 15,000—just to enter the country on a visitor visa.

With the latest update, the visa bond rule now applies to travellers from 38 countries across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, significantly tightening entry requirements for short-term visitors.

What is the US visa bond policy?

The visa bond policy applies to applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 (business or tourist) visa. According to the US State Department, applicants from select countries may be asked to post a bond of USD 5,000, USD 10,000, or USD 15,000 (approximately INR 4.5 lakh to INR 13.5 lakh).

The exact amount is decided during the visa interview, based on individual risk assessment.

Importantly, paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval. However, if a visa is denied, the bond amount is refunded. Travellers also receive their money back once they prove they complied with all visa conditions, including departing the US on time.

Why has the US expanded the bond requirement?

The move is part of a broader push to curb visa overstays and strengthen border controls. The policy follows a pilot programme launched in August 2025 that focused on countries with historically high overstay rates and weaker document security systems.

Alongside the bond rule, the US has already introduced stricter measures such as:

• Mandatory in-person visa interviews.
• Detailed disclosure of social media activity spanning several years.
• Extensive information about travel history, residence, and family members.

Countries newly added to the US visa bond list

From January 21, 2026, travellers from the following countries will be subject to the visa bond requirement:

Venezuela

Nepal

Bangladesh

Algeria

Cuba

Fiji

Gabon

Togo

Senegal

Dominica

Ivory Coast

Kyrgyzstan

Angola

Tuvalu

Uganda

Vanuatu

Zimbabwe

Djibouti

Burundi

Benin

Cape Verde

They join countries already covered under the policy, including Bhutan, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Mauritania, Guinea, The Gambia, and others.

Good news for Indian travellers

Indian passport holders can breathe easy, as India is not included in the US visa bond list. This means travellers from India applying for B1/B2 (business or tourist) visas are not required to pay any additional visa bond, unlike applicants from the 38 countries currently covered under the policy. Existing US visa procedures for Indian travellers remain unchanged, making short-term travel to the United States comparatively smoother and more affordable.

Entry restrictions: Only three US airports allowed

Travellers entering the US under the visa bond scheme must use specific ports of entry. As of August 20, 2025, entry and exit are allowed only through:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK).
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Arriving through any other airport could result in denied entry, even with a valid visa.

What happens if bond rules are violated?

If US authorities suspect a violation—such as overstaying, failing to depart, or attempting to change visa status—the case is reviewed by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If USCIS determines that visa conditions were breached, the bond amount may be forfeited. If not, the full amount is refunded after compliance is confirmed.

Bottom line for travellers

The expanded US visa bond policy adds a significant financial hurdle for travellers from affected countries. While the bond is refundable, it raises the cost and complexity of short-term US travel—and underscores Washington’s increasingly strict stance on visa compliance.

For anyone planning a US trip in 2026, especially from the newly listed countries, understanding these rules in advance could save both money and major travel headaches.