WASHINGTON, D.C., United States — The United States Department of State has expanded its visa bond policy, requiring nationals from 12 additional countries, most of them in Africa, to deposit significant financial bonds when applying for short-term travel visas.
Under the updated rules, travellers applying for B1/B2 visas (business and tourism) may be required to pay refundable bonds ranging between approximately KSh650,000 ($5,000), KSh1.2 million ($10,000), and KSh1.9 million ($15,000), depending on individual risk assessments conducted during visa interviews.
“The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of place of application,” the department clarified.
New countries added to the list
The latest update brings the total number of countries subject to the visa bond requirement to 50, following the inclusion of:
- Cambodia
- Ethiopia
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- Nicaragua
- Papua New Guinea
- Seychelles
- Tunisia
The new measures are set to take effect on April 2, 2026, as part of a broader U.S. immigration compliance framework aimed at reducing visa overstays.
Most of the affected countries are in Africa, reflecting U.S. government data linking the policy to nations with higher rates of visa overstays or compliance concerns.
What the visa bond means
The visa bond functions as a financial guarantee that travellers will comply with the terms of their stay in the United States.
However, authorities have emphasised that posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants are advised to only pay the bond after being instructed to do so by a consular officer.
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Successful applicants must also adhere to strict travel conditions, including using designated ports of entry and complying fully with visa timelines.
The bond is refundable under several conditions:
- If the visa application is denied
- If the applicant does not travel
- If the traveller complies with all visa conditions, including timely departure
Wider list and rollout timeline
The visa bond programme, first introduced as a pilot in 2025, has steadily expanded. It now covers countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, including Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Cuba and Venezuela, among others.
Implementation dates vary:
- August 2025: Malawi, Zambia
- October 2025: The Gambia, Tanzania, Mauritania
- January 2026: Multiple African and Asian countries including Nigeria, Uganda, and Nepal
- April 2026: Latest 12-country expansion
Policy intent and criticism
U.S. officials say the programme is designed to curb visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance. Early data suggests high compliance rates among those who have posted bonds.
However, critics argue that the policy imposes a significant financial burden, particularly on applicants from lower-income countries, potentially limiting access to travel for legitimate purposes such as business, education, and tourism.
Analysts note that the expansion reflects a broader tightening of U.S. immigration controls, with increased scrutiny on short-term visa applicants.
