Getting a U.S. visitor visa has become more expensive for some applicants from dozens of countries. The State Department made its Visa Bond Program permanent, effective Aug. 3, 2026. Covered applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B-1, B-2, or combined B-1/B-2 visa may be required to post a bond before the visa is issued.
The bond can be set at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Nationals of countries subject to the pilot remained subject to the requirement when the permanent rule took effect. This guide explains who is affected, how the bonds work, and what travelers need to know.
A pilot program becomes a permanent rule
The Visa Bond Pilot Program began on Aug. 20, 2025, as a 12-month test of whether the government could effectively administer bonds for certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants. Malawi and Zambia were the first countries covered, and additional countries were added during the pilot.
During the first 10 months, the program expanded to 50 countries. The State Department said the pilot provided sufficient operational data to support making the program permanent and found that visa bonds were effective in reducing visa misuse and overstays.
The final rule was published and took effect on Aug. 3, 2026. The permanent Visa Bond Program applies to covered applicants for B-1 business, B-2 tourism, and combined B-1/B-2 visas. The rule does not extend the bond requirement to student, exchange visitor, or journalist visa categories.
50 countries now face the requirement
The current list contains 50 countries, including 30 in Africa. Other covered countries are located in Asia, Central Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific. Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Tajikistan are among the countries on the list.
Fiji is also covered and is a Pacific island country. The State Department says countries may be selected based on factors including visa overstay rates, information-sharing deficiencies, screening and vetting gaps, identity verification and criminal-record concerns, and travel-document security.
Visa Waiver Program countries are excluded from the Visa Bond Program. Limited waivers are possible when the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs or a designee determines that a waiver would not be contrary to the national interest, but applicants do not have a separate process for requesting one.
How much money must applicants set aside
Consular officers can set a visa bond at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 based on an applicant’s individual circumstances. The State Department says officers are generally expected to set the amount at $15,000 unless circumstances justify a lower or higher bond.
An officer may set the bond at $10,000 if the applicant cannot reasonably pay $15,000 but still has sufficient resources for the planned US trip. A $20,000 bond may be required when the officer determines that $15,000 would not provide sufficient assurance that the traveler will comply with the terms of admission and depart on time.
The visa bond is separate from ordinary nonimmigrant visa processing fees and other immigration-related charges. Applicants should follow current State Department instructions for all applicable fees and should post a visa bond only after being directed to do so by a consular officer.
Why officials say the policy is necessary
The State Department says visa bonds are intended to reduce overstays and encourage visitors to follow U.S. admission rules. An overstay occurs when someone remains in the United States beyond the period authorized by the Department of Homeland Security.
The permanent program can apply to nationals of countries with high overstay rates, weak information sharing, or concerns about identity, criminal records, and document security. It may also address weaknesses in screening and vetting.
Officials say the program can encourage foreign governments to improve information sharing and screening. Critics and travel-industry groups warn that large refundable bonds could discourage legitimate business and leisure travel.
What must travelers do to get a refund?
Visa bondholders must follow the bond and immigration conditions to receive their money back. They generally must enter and leave the United States through commercial airports or approved CBP Preclearance locations.
Land and sea ports are not allowed under the bond conditions, and travelers cannot use charter flights or general aviation. Certain trips to nearby countries may be permitted, but the final departure must be through an approved U.S. commercial airport.
DHS can return the bond after recording a timely qualifying departure. The bond may also be canceled if the visa expires unused or if CBP denies admission and cancels the visa.
Fun fact: U.S. immigration law has included authority for immigration bonds since the Immigration Act of 1917.
The impact on business travel and tourism
The bond requirement could complicate business travel for people seeking B-1 or B-1/B-2 visas for meetings, conferences, and other permitted activities. Companies sending employees from covered countries may need to budget for bonds of up to $20,000.
Inbound tourism faced a difficult 2025. U.S. government data show international visitation fell from 72.4 million in 2024 to 68.3 million in 2025, a 5.7% decline. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimated a roughly 6% drop in foreign visitors and a 7% decline in visitor spending.
Immigration attorney Caroline Tang told Bloomberg Law that the bonds could further discourage travel. The U.S. Travel Association has similarly warned that expanding the program could reduce international travel demand.
A separate rule affects students and journalists
The permanent Visa Bond Program currently applies to covered B-1, B-2, and combined B-1/B-2 visa applicants. The August 3 final rule does not add student, exchange visitor, or journalist visa categories to the bond program.
Separately, DHS published a final rule changing the admission framework for F academic students, J exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives from a duration-of-status to fixed periods of admission. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, although DHS says that date remains subject to congressional review.
Most I-category foreign media representatives may stay for up to 240 days or the length of their assignment, whichever is shorter. Those using Chinese passports, excluding Hong Kong and Macau SAR passports, are limited to 90 days but may seek extensions.
Practical advice for travelers applying today
Applicants from the listed countries should prepare financially before starting their visa application. Consular officers will explain bond requirements directly during the visa interview. Travelers should not send any bond payment before receiving official instructions.
Keeping funds available and documentation organized can help avoid unnecessary delays. Applicants should plan all entries and exits through approved commercial airports only. Careful planning now can prevent complications with the refund process much later on.
Immigration attorneys suggest consulting a professional before applying under the new rule. Rules can vary based on individual circumstances and consular discretion. Staying informed through official State Department channels remains the safest and most reliable approach for travelers planning a trip.
TL;DR
- The U.S. made its Visa Bond Program permanent starting Aug. 3, 2026.
- Fifty countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific are affected.
- Bonds range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on individual circumstances.
- Bondholders generally must enter and leave the United States through commercial airports or CBP Preclearance locations.
- A separate DHS rule changes admission periods for certain student, exchange visitor, and foreign media categories.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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