US Tightens Visa Bonds to $20,000 for 50 Nations

The United States has made it mandatory for people from 50 countries to put down a $20,000 bond when they apply for a short‑term business or tourist visa.

The bond is returned if the visa is denied or if the traveler follows all rules and leaves on time.

The rule was created to stop people from staying in the U.S. longer than allowed.

In the first 10 months of the pilot, almost no people overstayed.

However, many travelers chose not to pay the bond, which caused a big drop in visa approvals.

The U.S. government says the rule works, but critics say it makes travel harder for people from poorer countries.

India is not yet part of the program, but the policy could affect Indian travelers in the future.