United States Expands $15,000 Visa Bond Condition to 50 Nations: Full List

If you are planning to travel to the United States on a visitor or business visa, there is a new policy worth understanding before your interview. The United States government has expanded a programme that requires certain travellers to pay a refundable security bond as part of the B1/B2 visa application process.

This does not apply to everyone — but if your country is on the list, it adds an important financial step to your visa procedure that you need to prepare for in advance.

What Is the US Visa Bond Requirement?

The United States visa bond is a refundable security deposit that some B1/B2 visa applicants are required to pay. The bond amount is not fixed — it is determined by the visa officer at the time of your interview based on your assessed risk level:

• Low risk: $5,000
• Medium risk: $10,000
• Higher risk: $15,000

You will only be informed of the bond requirement after your interview is concluded, not before. The bond is fully refundable provided you comply with all visa conditions and depart the United States on time.

The policy was introduced to reduce the number of visa overstays — travellers who remain in the United States beyond their permitted period of stay. US officials have stated the programme has already contributed to a decrease in overstay rates.

12 New Countries Added From 2nd April 2026

Effective 2nd April 2026, the United States may require visa bond payments from travellers from the following newly added countries:

• Tunisia
• Cambodia
• Seychelles
• Ethiopia
• Papua New Guinea
• Georgia
• Nicaragua
• Grenada
• Mozambique
• Lesotho
• Mongolia
• Mauritius

With this addition, the visa bond policy now covers 50 countries in total across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

Key Rules Every Applicant Must Know

Pay Only Through Official Channels

If you are required to pay the bond, you must submit Form I-352 and make payment exclusively through the official US government platform at Pay.gov. Do not use any third-party websites or agents. Payments made outside official channels will not be refunded.

Paying the Bond Does Not Guarantee a Visa

This is a point that catches many applicants off guard. Agreeing to pay — or actually paying — the bond does not mean your visa will be approved. The bond is an additional condition of the application, not confirmation of approval. Your visa can still be denied even after the bond is paid.

Entry Restrictions Apply to Bond Visa Holders

If you receive a visa under the bond requirement, stricter entry conditions apply:

• You must enter and exit the United States through commercial airports only
• Land border crossings and sea ports of entry are not permitted
• Charter flights and private jets are also excluded

Failure to comply with these entry and exit conditions may result in your departure not being properly recorded, which can delay or permanently forfeit your bond refund.

When Will Your Bond Be Refunded?

Your bond will be automatically refunded if:

• You depart the United States before your permitted stay expires
• You never use the visa at all
• You are denied entry at the airport upon arrival

When Can You Lose Your Bond?

You may forfeit the bond amount if:

• You overstay your visa beyond the authorised period
• You depart after your permitted stay has already expired
• You apply for a change of immigration status while in the United States, such as filing for asylum

In such cases, US authorities will review your circumstances before making a final determination on the forfeiture.

Who Is Not Affected?

Travellers who visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme using ESTA are not affected by this policy. The bond requirement applies specifically to nationals of the listed countries who require a B1/B2 visitor or business visa.

Full List of 50 Countries Subject to the US Visa Bond Requirement

Conclusion

The US visa bond requirement is not a blanket rule, but it does add a significant financial layer to the B1/B2 visa process for travellers from the 50 listed countries. For those who comply with all visa conditions and depart on time, the deposit is fully refundable and changes nothing about the travel experience itself. However, the key is preparation — knowing whether your country is on the list, understanding the payment process, and being aware of the entry and exit conditions that apply. If your country is listed, factor this into your travel planning well before your visa interview date.