Archive · 8 Jan 2026
US Expands Visa Bond Program to 38 Nations
The US government has added 25 more countries, including Venezuela, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Nigeria, to a program that requires citizens from these countries to pay a bond of up to $15,000 to apply for a US visa.
This bond is meant to ensure that visitors do not overstay their visas.
The money will be returned if the visa is denied or if the visitor follows the visa rules.
The new rule starts on January 21, 2026, and the program will run until August 5, 2026.
Some people think this makes it harder for people from these countries to visit the US, while the US government says it helps with security.
The program targets countries with high visa overstay rates or those offering citizenship by investment without residency requirements.
The US has expanded its visa bond program to include 25 more countries, bringing the total to 38, including Venezuela, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Nigeria.
The new policy requires bonds of up to $15,000 for citizens of these countries to apply for B1/B2 visas, aiming to prevent visa overstays.
Bond amounts are determined during the visa interview and can be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with refunds if the visa is denied or terms are complied with.
The program targets countries with high overstay rates, such as Bhutan (21.75% for business/pleasure, 24.32% for students), or those offering citizenship by investment without residency requirements.
The policy will come into effect on January 21, 2026, and the program will run until August 5, 2026, making the immigration process potentially unaffordable for many.
- Who
- Citizens of 38 countries, including 25 newly added ones like Venezuela, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Nigeria
- What
- US expands visa bond program requiring bonds of up to $15,000
- When
- The policy comes into effect on January 21, 2026, and the program runs until August 5, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To prevent visitors from overstaying their visas, targeting countries with high overstay rates or deficient screening information
- Number of Countries Added
- 25
- Total Countries in Program
- 38
- Bond Amounts
- $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
- Effective Date
- January 21, 2026
- Purpose of Bonds
- To prevent visa overstays
- Refund Condition
- If visa is denied or terms are complied with
- Regions Affected
- Africa, Latin America, Asia
- Notable Country Added
- Venezuela
- Program Duration
- August 20, 2025 to August 5, 2026
- High Overstay Rate Example
- Bhutan (21.75% for business/pleasure, 24.32% for students)
Sources
US adds Venezuela and 24 other nations to $15,000 visa bond programme: Check full list
Trump administration widens visa bond program, adds 25 more countries to list. See complete list here
US announces updated list of countries subject to visa bonds of up to $15,000: Complete List
Travelling to US? People from 38 countries, including Nepal and Bangladesh, will need visa bonds — check details
US Nearly Triples List Of Countries Whose Citizens Are Subject To Visa Bonds
