LATEST NEWS ALERT: Additional Countries Subject to Visa Bond: 50 to Date – (03/18/26)
While not presently applicable to O or P nonimmigrant visa holders, we are sharing for awareness the latest news about bond requirements. This morning, the Trump Administration has expanded its list of countries whose nationals are subject to paying a visa bond in order to enter the United States. The updated list of countries currently totals 50 and newly includes Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. Visa bonds for nationals of these countries go into effect April 2, but the full list should be checked to see the effective dates for the 38 other countries.
Visa bonds may be assessed for up to $15,000 for a B1 or B2 visa for business and tourism, with the aim of preventing overstays. Visa holders who post a visa bond are required to enter and exit the U.S. through designated ports of entry, and bonds are to be returned when visa recipients return home in compliance with the terms of the visa and the bond. For complete details and links to additional information, visit the State Department webpage on visa bonds.