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US to require $15,000 bond to visa recipients from 12 more countries
The US State Department requires a $15,000 bond from applicants of B1/B2 visas in 50 countries to reduce overstays, with bonds refunded if conditions are met.
- The White House expanded on March 18 that citizens from 50 countries must post US$15,000 bonds, effective April 2, 2026, according to a State Department official.
- Building on an earlier list of 38 nations largely in Africa, the policy expands by adding 12 new countries including Cambodia and Ethiopia.
- Officials noted that bonds of US$15,000 are returned to visa applicants who comply with B1/B2 terms or do not travel, and the State Department official said the programme has reduced overstays.
- The administration frames the move as part of its broader hard-line immigration approach, with officials saying the policy aims to improve domestic security amid previous travel bans affecting 19 nations.
- Human rights groups argue the policies curb due process and free speech, while a State Department official said the visa bond programme aims to prevent visa overstays.
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Associated Press News+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
US to demand bonds of up to $15,000 for visa applications from 12 more countries
The State Department says it is adding 12 countries to an expanding list of nations whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for U.S. visas.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left6Leaning Right3Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 35%
C 47%
R 18%
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