US visa bond affects more countries

The United States of America has added seven countries to the list of countries whose citizens are required to deposit a bond during their visa application process.

The previous list included six nations with different start dates in 2025: Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania (October 23); The Gambia (October 11); Malawi and Zambia (August 20).

The updated list released by the Department of State, titled ‘Countries Subject to Visa Bonds’, adds seven countries, with the start date being January 1, 2026.

The countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan, increasing the affected nations to 13.

Passport holders found eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 to be determined at the time of the visa interview.

The information advises applicants to submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer’s request, and warns against using any third-party website for posting the bond.

“A bond does not guarantee visa issuance,” it reads. “If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, this person will not get that money back.”

Travelers who have posted a visa bond must enter and exit the U.S. through Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.

However, the bond will be refunded if the visa is denied or when a visa holder demonstrates they have complied with the terms of the visa.

The action, outlined in INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule, was based on the B1/B2 overstay rate per the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit Overstay Report.