The United States has expanded a visa bond program requiring certain visitors to post refundable deposits of up to $15,000 before receiving a B1/B2 business or tourism visa. The policy, effective January 21, 2026, applies to citizens of 38 countries, including 24 in Africa, along with nations in Latin America and Asia.
Under the program, consular officers determine whether applicants must post bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 during their visa interview. Travelers must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to the terms through the Treasury’s online payment system, Pay.gov. Officials emphasized that payment does not guarantee visa issuance but is refunded if the visa is denied or if the traveler complies with the conditions of their stay.
The expanded roster includes 24 African nations: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Other countries on the list include Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Venezuela. All remain subject to the visa bond program.
Travelers who post a visa bond are required to enter and leave the United States through specified ports of entry, such as Boston Logan, John F. Kennedy, and Washington Dulles airports. Bonds are generally canceled and refunded if the traveler leaves the country on schedule, does not use the visa, or is denied admission at the entry point.
Officials noted that the policy is intended to reduce visa overstays and reinforce compliance with immigration regulations. Critics, however, observed that the high costs could restrict travel and business opportunities for families and professionals in affected countries. They emphasized that the requirement may create financial barriers that could limit short-term visits, educational exchanges, and commercial trips.
