US adds 12 more countries to visa bond requirement, bringing total to 50

Nationals of affected countries may need to post a bond of up to $US15,000 for a B1/B2 visa

The United States has expanded its visa bond requirement to include 12 additional countries, bringing the total number of affected nationalities to 50. The Department of State announced the update on March 18, 2026, with the new requirements taking effect on April 2, 2026.

The newly added countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.

How the visa bond works

Citizens or nationals traveling on a passport issued by one of the 50 affected countries who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa may be required to post a bond of US$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the visa interview.

Applicants must also submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms through the Department of the Treasury's online payment platform, Pay.gov. Applicants should only submit the form and payment after a consular officer directs them to do so. The US government is not responsible for any money paid outside its official systems.

A bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

Required ports of entry

Visa holders who have posted a bond must enter and exit the United States through designated ports of entry only. These include all commercial air ports of entry, including CBP preclearance locations.

Bond holders may not use charter air, general aviation, land, or sea ports of entry. Failure to comply may result in denied entry or a departure that is not properly recorded.

When the bond is refunded

The bond is automatically canceled and refunded in the following situations: when the traveler departs the US within the authorized period, when the visa is not used before its expiration, or when the traveler is refused admission at the border.

However, a late departure, an overstay, or certain actions such as applying for a change of status (including an asylum application) may trigger a review for violation of bond conditions. Such cases are referred to USCIS for determination.