If you’re planning a trip to the United States for business or tourism from certain countries, a new rule could add a big upfront cost to your visa application. The U.S. Department of State has expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program, now requiring nationals from 38 countries to post a refundable bond—ranging from $5,000 to $15,000—before getting a B1/B2 visitor visa approved. This change, which kicked in for many additional countries on January 21, 2026, aims to cut down on visa overstays but has left a lot of potential visitors wondering if their dream vacation or business trip just got way more expensive.
What Exactly Is This Visa Bond Requirement?
The bond isn’t a fee you lose forever—it’s more like a security deposit. If you’re approved for a B1/B2 visa (that’s the standard one for tourists, business meetings, or short medical visits), but you’re from one of the listed countries, a consular officer decides during your interview whether you need to post this bond. The amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—depends on your personal situation and how likely they think you are to follow the rules and leave on time.
You pay it online through the Treasury’s Pay.gov site after the interview, and it gets held until you depart the U.S. within your allowed stay. Leave on time and comply with visa terms? You get the full amount back. Overstay or violate conditions? The bond could be forfeited. This pilot program started back in August 2025 under the current administration and runs through August 2026, with the State Department adding countries based on factors like high overstay rates from past DHS reports.
Why Did the U.S. Expand This Program to 38 Countries?
The goal is straightforward: reduce the number of people who come on temporary visitor visas and then stay way past their welcome. Overstays have been a long-standing issue for U.S. immigration enforcement, and this bond acts as a financial incentive to head home when your time is up. The program began small, targeting just a couple of countries like Malawi and Zambia, but it quickly grew.
In early January 2026, the State Department quietly updated its list, adding 25 more nations and bringing the total to 38. These additions mostly hit countries in Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the Caribbean—places flagged for higher overstay risks or other vetting concerns. It’s part of a broader push to tighten temporary visitor rules without banning travel outright.
Which Countries Are Affected and When Does It Start?
The requirement applies to any citizen or national holding a passport from these countries, no matter where you apply for the visa. Here’s a quick breakdown of the affected countries (with key implementation dates where specified):
- Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zimbabwe (effective January 21, 2026)
- Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Turkmenistan (effective January 1, 2026 or earlier phases)
- Others like Malawi, Zambia (from August 20, 2025), and additional nations added over time, such as Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, etc.
The full current list is always on the official State Department site, and it can change during the pilot.
How Does This Impact Travelers and What Should You Do?
For folks from these 38 countries, this adds real financial pressure—especially if you’re saving up for a family trip or a business conference. Not everyone will face the highest amount, but even $5,000 is a lot to tie up for months. The good news? It’s refundable if you play by the rules, and it doesn’t apply to student visas, work visas, or folks from Visa Waiver Program countries.
If you’re applying soon, check the latest from travel.state.gov, prepare proof of strong ties to your home country (like a job, family, or property), and be ready for the extra step if the officer requires it. Travel plans might need more budgeting or even rethinking timelines while this pilot runs.
This update shows the U.S. is serious about enforcing visa limits, but it also reminds everyone how quickly immigration rules can shift. If you’re affected, staying informed through official channels is your best bet to avoid surprises at the embassy.