The U.S. Department of State has announced under new regulations that citizens of 50 countries may be required to pay a visa bond of up to $20,000, at the discretion of consular officers, in order to obtain certain U.S. visas. The regulations will take effect on Monday, August 3, following their publication in the Federal Register.
The Associated Press reported on Saturday, August 1 (10 Asad), that the new rules apply to nonimmigrant visas, including B-1 and B-2 visas, which are primarily issued for business travel, tourism, and short-term visits.
According to the U.S. Department of State, consular officers will have the authority to require eligible applicants to submit a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition for visa issuance. The amount of the bond will be determined based on the circumstances of each individual case.
Under the new regulations, citizens of 50 countries across various regions of the world including 30 African nations may be subject to this requirement. If a visa holder leaves the United States before the expiration of their authorized stay, the bond will be refunded. However, if the individual remains in the country beyond the legally permitted period, the bond may be forfeited.
U.S. officials have stated that the purpose of this policy is to reduce instances of visa overstays and encourage greater compliance with the country’s immigration laws.
The United States previously implemented a “Visa Bond Pilot Program” in 2025 aimed at ensuring that travelers depart the country after their authorized period of stay. Under that program, bond amounts ranged from $5,000 to $15,000. Under the new regulations, however, the minimum bond amount will be set at $10,000, while the maximum will increase to $20,000.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
