The US State Department announced that visa applicants from 12 additional countries will be required to pay refundable bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas, effective April 2, 2026. This brings the total number of countries under the bond program to 50.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | April 2, 2026 |
| Who’s Affected | B-1/B-2 visa applicants from 12 new countries |
| Bond Amount | $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 (tiered) |
| Total Countries | 50 (up from 38) |
Which Countries Are Affected?
The 12 newly added countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. These join 38 countries already subject to bond requirements since the program launched in August 2025.
India is not on the current list. Indian B-1/B-2 visa applicants are not required to pay a bond at this time. However, Indian travelers should monitor this program as it continues to expand.
How the Bond Program Works
Consular officers determine the bond amount — $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — during the visa interview. The bond is fully refundable if the traveler departs the United States within the authorized stay period. If the traveler overstays, the bond is forfeited to the US government.
The State Department says the program has been effective: approximately 1,000 visas have been issued under the bond requirement, with 97% of recipients departing within their authorized timeframe.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
While India is not currently affected, this expansion signals a broader US strategy to combat visa overstays through financial deterrents. Indian passport holders applying for US B-1/B-2 visas should ensure strong documentation of ties to India — employment letters, property ownership, and family connections — to avoid complications during the interview process.
For Indians planning US travel, our US Visa Guide covers the complete application process, and the DS-160 Helper provides step-by-step assistance with the application form.
Source: US Department of State announcement, March 18, 2026; Al Jazeera
FAQ
Q: Which 12 new countries are added to the US visa bond program? A: Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia are added from April 2, 2026.
Q: How much is the US visa bond for B-1/B-2 applicants? A: The bond amount is $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined by the consular officer during the visa interview based on individual circumstances.
Q: Is the US visa bond refundable? A: Yes, the bond is fully refundable if the visa holder departs the US within the authorized stay period. It is forfeited if the traveler overstays.
Q: Does the US visa bond apply to Indian passport holders? A: India is not currently on the visa bond list. However, with 50 countries now covered, the program could expand further. Indian B-1/B-2 applicants are not required to pay a bond at this time.
Q: When does the expanded US visa bond program take effect? A: The new bond requirements for the 12 additional countries take effect on April 2, 2026.
Q: How many countries are now covered under the US visa bond program? A: With this expansion, 50 countries are now subject to the US visa bond requirement for B-1 and B-2 visa applicants.