If you’re planning a trip to the United States on a visitor visa, there’s a new rule worth paying attention to. It doesn’t apply to everyone, but if it does apply to you, it could mean paying a large refundable deposit before you travel.

Here’s what’s changing, and what it actually means in simple terms.

What Is the New US Visa Bond Rule?

The US government is expanding a rule that requires some travellers to pay a security bond when applying for a B1/B2 visa (business or tourist visa).

• The bond can be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
• You only pay it if asked during your visa interview
• You get the money back if you follow all visa rules and leave on time

The US introduced this new visa bond requirement to reduce the number of people who stay in the country longer than allowed.

12 New Countries Added From April 2, 2026

Starting April 2, 2026, the US may ask travellers from the following countries to pay a visa bond:

1. Cambodia
2. Ethiopia
3. Georgia
4. Grenada
5. Lesotho
6. Mauritius
7. Mongolia
8. Mozambique
9. Nicaragua
10. Papua New Guinea
11. Seychelles
12. Tunisia

With this update, the visa bond rule now applies to 50 countries in total.

The State Department is keeping America's borders secure and preventing visa overstays.

Nationals from 50 countries will soon be required to provide a $15,000 bond for business and tourist visas – returned to those who comply with their visa terms and return home on time. pic.twitter.com/SewS69b0Pb

— Department of State (@StateDept) <a href=" 18, 2026

How Much Do You Actually Have to Pay?

Here’s the key point: not everyone pays $15,000. The amount depends on your case and is decided by the visa officer during your interview.

• Low risk → $5,000
• Medium risk → $10,000
• Higher risk → up to $15,000

You will only be told to pay after your interview, not before.

Important Rules You Shouldn’t Ignore

There are a few strict conditions attached to this bond:

1. Pay Only Through Official Channels

You must:

• Submit Form I-352
• Pay through the official US government platform (Pay.gov)

Avoid third-party websites. If you pay without official instruction, you won’t get your money back.

2. Paying the Bond Doesn’t Guarantee a Visa

This catches many people off guard. Even if you agree to pay the bond, your visa can still be refused. The bond is just an extra requirement, not approval.

3. Entry Rules Are Stricter

If you are issued a visa with a bond:

• You must enter and leave the US via commercial airports only
• Land borders and sea routes are not allowed
• Charter flights and private jets are also excluded

If you don’t follow this, your departure may not be recorded properly, which can delay or cancel your refund.

When Do You Get Your Money Back?

The bond is refunded automatically if:

• You leave the US on time
• You don’t use the visa at all
• You are denied entry at the airport

When Can You Lose the Bond?

You may lose the money if:

• You overstay your visa
• You leave late
• You apply for a change of status (for example, asylum)

In such cases, US authorities will review your case before deciding.

Why Is the US Doing This?

The US says this move is based on data showing some countries have higher visa overstay rates.

The goal is simple: encourage travellers to follow visa rules and return home on time.

Officials say the program has already helped reduce overstays.

Who Is NOT Affected?

If you travel to the United States without a visa under the ESTA system, this rule does not apply to you. This mainly affects travellers who need a B1/B2 visa.

What This Means for Travellers

Here’s the real takeaway:

• Not everyone will be asked to pay
• If you are asked, it’s a temporary deposit, not a fee
• Following the rules means you get your money back

If you’re from one of the listed countries, it is highly advisable to prepare for this possibility before your visa interview.

Full List Now Covers 50 Countries

The US introduced the bond rule in phases starting in 2025 and now covers 50 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

S. No.	Country	Added On
1	Cambodia	April 2, 2026
2	Ethiopia	April 2, 2026
3	Georgia	April 2, 2026
4	Grenada	April 2, 2026
5	Lesotho	April 2, 2026
6	Mauritius	April 2, 2026
7	Mongolia	April 2, 2026
8	Mozambique	April 2, 2026
9	Nicaragua	April 2, 2026
10	Papua New Guinea	April 2, 2026
11	Seychelles	April 2, 2026
12	Tunisia	April 2, 2026
13	Algeria	January 21, 2026
14	Angola	January 21, 2026
15	Antigua and Barbuda	January 21, 2026
16	Bangladesh	January 21, 2026
17	Benin	January 21, 2026
18	Burundi	January 21, 2026
19	Cabo Verde	January 21, 2026
20	Côte d’Ivoire	January 21, 2026
21	Cuba	January 21, 2026
22	Djibouti	January 21, 2026
23	Dominica	January 21, 2026
24	Fiji	January 21, 2026
25	Gabon	January 21, 2026
26	Kyrgyzstan	January 21, 2026
27	Nepal	January 21, 2026
28	Nigeria	January 21, 2026
29	Senegal	January 21, 2026
30	Tajikistan	January 21, 2026
31	Togo	January 21, 2026
32	Tonga	January 21, 2026
33	Tuvalu	January 21, 2026
34	Uganda	January 21, 2026
35	Vanuatu	January 21, 2026
36	Venezuela	January 21, 2026
37	Zimbabwe	January 21, 2026
38	Bhutan	January 1, 2026
39	Botswana	January 1, 2026
40	Central African Republic	January 1, 2026
41	Guinea	January 1, 2026
42	Guinea-Bissau	January 1, 2026
43	Namibia	January 1, 2026
44	Turkmenistan	January 1, 2026
45	Mauritania	October 23, 2025
46	São Tomé and Príncipe	October 23, 2025
47	Tanzania	October 23, 2025
48	Gambia	October 11, 2025
49	Malawi	August 20, 2025
50	Zambia	August 20, 2025

If you’re unsure whether your country is included, it’s best to check before applying.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a blanket rule, but it does add a new layer to the US visa process.

For regular travellers who follow the rules, nothing really changes except a possible temporary deposit. But it’s still something you’ll want to plan for before you book that trip.

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