US Extends Visa Bond Program: Travelers from 7 Nations Required to Pay Bonds up to $15,000

The United States has expanded its Visa Bond Program, now including four new countries: Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Tanzania. Citizens from these seven nations must post a refundable bond of 5,000 to 15,000 before receiving a B1/B2 visitor visa.

What the Visa Bond Program Is About

The Visa Bond Pilot Program, launched by the US Department of State, mandates certain foreign visitors to pay a bond of 5,000, 10,000, or $15,000 before obtaining a B1/B2 visa. This initiative began on August 20, 2025, and will continue until August 5, 2026.

This rule primarily targets travelers from countries with high visa overstay rates or limited vetting systems. It also applies to nations allowing Citizenship by Investment, where foreigners can gain citizenship without residing there.

The Seven Countries on the Visa Bond List

Here is the complete list of countries currently under the Visa Bond Program:

• Malawi: Added on August 20, 2025
• Zambia: Added on August 20, 2025
• The Gambia: Added on October 11, 2025
• Mali: Added on October 23, 2025
• Mauritania: Added on October 23, 2025
• São Tomé and Príncipe: Added on October 23, 2025
• Tanzania: Added on October 23, 2025

Travelers holding passports from these countries must post the bond amount determined during their visa interview. Additionally, they need to complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 before visa issuance.

Why the US Is Imposing Visa Bonds

The Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2024 Overstay Report highlights specific countries with notably high visa overstay rates. For instance:

• The Gambia had an overstayer rate of 38.79% for visitor visas.
• Malawi recorded a 14.32% overstay rate for land entries and 4.17% for air/sea.
• Zambia showed an overstay rate exceeding 10% for visitor visas.

In contrast, India’s overstay rate for B1/B2 visas was only 1.29% in 2023. The US aims to reduce visa overstays and promote compliance with immigration regulations through this policy.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Travelers who pay a visa bond must enter and exit the US through designated airports, including:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

When the Bond Is Refunded

The visa bond is fully refundable if the traveler complies with all visa conditions. It will be automatically canceled and returned when:

• The traveler leaves the US before their authorized stay ends.
• The traveler does not use the visa before it expires.
• The traveler is denied admission at the port of entry.

In essence, the bond acts like a deposit; follow the rules, and you get it back.

What Travelers Should Know

If you are from one of the seven listed countries, plan for the bond amount and entry point requirements when organizing your trip. While this policy does not prevent travel to the US, it raises the expectations for compliance and documentation.

The United States views this initiative as a means to balance welcoming visitors with stronger immigration accountability. For travelers, this means additional preparation, but also a clearer understanding of what is required before arriving in the US.