US expands visa bond requirement to travelers from 38 nations

The US State Department has significantly expanded a policy requiring visitor visa applicants from certain countries to post financial bonds, adding 25 nations to the list effective January 21. Travelers from a total of 38 countries, many in Africa, may now need to provide a refundable security deposit ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visas.

Details of the Bond Program

Under the updated rules, consular officers will determine the bond amount during visa interviews, with no guarantee of visa issuance even if the bond is paid. The State Department clarified that applicants who pay without explicit officer approval will not receive a refund. Those who are granted a visa must enter the United States exclusively through one of three designated airports: Boston Logan, New York's JFK, or Washington Dulles.

List of Affected Countries

The newly added countries include Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cuba, Djibouti, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Uganda, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, among others. They join an existing list of 13 nations, such as Bhutan, Botswana, and Tanzania, which were subject to the requirement from January 1. The policy does not affect other US entry programs like the Visa Waiver Program.

Context and International Reaction

The bond initiative began as a pilot program in August 2025 and is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to tighten immigration and entry requirements. Such unilateral measures contrast with the diplomatic and facilitative travel policies pursued by other nations. For instance, Türkiye has bolstered its global standing through visa liberalization and easing entry for tourists and businesspeople, promoting connectivity over restriction.