The State Department has added 25 countries to a visa-bond program, bringing the total number of nations required to post bonds when applying for U.S. visas to 38. Bonds range from $5,000 to $15,000 and take effect Jan. 21. Payment does not guarantee a visa; posted funds are refundable if a visa is denied or if the visa holder complies with visa terms. Critics say the move will put U.S. travel out of reach for many applicants, especially in Africa and parts of Latin America and Asia.
U.S. Nearly Triples Visa-Bond List To 38 Countries; Bonds Up To $15,000 Take Effect Jan. 21
Secretary Marco Rubio meets with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot at the State Department, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 in Washington. (AP Phoro/Kevin Wolf)
The Trump administration has expanded a policy requiring travelers from certain countries to post cash bonds when applying for U.S. visas, nearly tripling the number of affected nations to 38. The State Department announced on Tuesday that it added 25 more countries to a list of passport holders now subject to visa bonds, bringing the total to 38; the new requirement takes effect Jan. 21, according to a notice on travel.state.gov.
What The Change Means
The bond amounts can range from $5,000 to $15,000. U.S. officials say the bonds are intended to discourage visa overstays. Payment of a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued; the posted amount is refundable if a visa is denied or when the visa holder demonstrates compliance with visa terms.
Officials' Rationale And Critics' Concerns
U.S. officials: The bond policy is an effective tool to ensure travelers from targeted countries return home and do not overstay.
Critics: Advocates and immigration experts warn the requirement will make U.S. visas unaffordable for many applicants, particularly in African countries and parts of Latin America and Asia, and could limit legitimate travel for work, study and family reasons.
Which Countries Are Affected
The 25 countries newly subject to the visa-bond requirement as of Jan. 21 are:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ivory Coast
- Kyrgyzstan
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Tajikistan
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Zimbabwe
They join the previously added countries: Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Zambia.
Broader Context
The bond requirement is part of broader changes to U.S. entry procedures announced by the administration, which also include requiring in-person interviews for applicants from all visa-required countries and requesting extended social media histories and detailed records of prior travel and residence.
Bottom line: The new rule increases the financial hurdle for citizens of dozens of countries seeking U.S. visas, while officials say it will reduce overstays and strengthen border integrity. Applicants should consult the State Department notice on travel.state.gov for details and guidance.
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