The United States will expand its visa bond program beginning April 2, requiring applicants from 12 additional countries to post bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for short-term travel visas.
A State Department official confirmed that the policy will apply to citizens seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas. The newly added countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. Their inclusion brings the total number of affected nations to 50, up from 38 earlier this year.
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The visa bond program, first introduced in 2025, aims to reduce the number of foreign visitors who overstay their authorized period in the United States. Under the policy, consular officers may require applicants to pay a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on individual circumstances. The bond is returned if the traveler complies with visa conditions, including departing the country on time, or if the visa is ultimately not used.
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A State Department official explained that the program has already shown results, noting that nearly 97% of participants have not overstayed their visas. The official emphasized that the requirement targets countries with higher overstay rates or additional screening concerns.
The expansion reflects a broader tightening of immigration policies under President Donald Trump, whose administration has pursued stricter enforcement measures, including enhanced screening procedures and visa restrictions. Officials maintain that the bond system encourages compliance with immigration laws and helps strengthen border controls.
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Human rights advocates have criticized the policy, arguing that it creates financial barriers for travelers and raises concerns about fairness. Administration officials, however, maintain that the measure is necessary to promote lawful entry and ensure that visitors adhere to the terms of their stay.
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