Archive · 25 Oct 2025
US Updates Visa Bond List: What Travelers Need to Know
The US has a temporary program where some visitors need to pay a bond to enter the country.
This is like a deposit that the government holds.
This is only for people from certain countries, like Gambia, Malawi, Zambia, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania, who apply for visas.
The amount of the bond depends on a case-by-case basis.
This program aims to reduce visa overstays.
The program does not apply to people from countries with low overstay rates, such as India.
The US updated the list of countries subject to a visa bond pilot program.
Mali was removed from the list of countries requiring a visa bond.
Six countries currently require visa bonds: Gambia, Malawi, Zambia, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania.
The visa bond program targets countries with high visa overstay rates.
Indian travelers are less likely to be affected due to the lower overstay rates.
- Who
- US Department of State and travelers from specific countries.
- What
- Updated visa bond requirements for certain countries.
- When
- Program started August 20, 2025; Updated list effective October 23, 2025
- Where
- United States and the countries listed.
- Why
- To address high visa overstay rates and mitigate associated risks.
- Program Name
- Visa Bond Pilot Program
- Program Start Date
- August 20, 2025
- Program End Date
- August 5, 2026
- Bond Amount
- $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
- Affected Countries
- Gambia, Malawi, Zambia, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania
- India Overstay Rate (2023)
- 1.58% (B1/B2: 1.29%)
- Overstay Rate (Gambia)
- 38.79% (B1/B2) and 18.6% (All Categories)
- Overstay Rate (Malawi)
- 14.32% (Land), 4.17% (Air/Sea)