In a major shift to its visitor-visa policy, the United States has expanded its controversial Visa Bond Program in January 2026, placing new financial conditions on travelers from dozens of countries. The move signals a tougher approach to short-term migration, especially for business and tourist visitors, and is already reshaping how millions of applicants plan travel to the U.S.
The updated policy affects B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist/visitor) visa applicants and introduces a refundable bond requirement of up to $15,000 — a significant new barrier for many global travelers.
What Is the U.S. Visa Bond Program?
The Visa Bond Program requires certain temporary visa applicants to deposit a financial bond before their visa can be issued.
The bond acts as a compliance guarantee — applicants get the money back if they leave the United States on time and follow all visa conditions. If they overstay or violate visa rules, the bond may be forfeited.
The U.S. government says the goal is simple:
reduce visa overstays and strengthen enforcement without changing visa categories themselves.
What Changed in January 2026?
On January 6, 2026, the U.S. government announced a major expansion of the program:
- The number of affected countries increased to 38
- 25 new countries were added across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean
- The bond requirement applies mainly to B-1/B-2 visa applicants
- The rule officially takes effect on January 21, 2026
This marks the largest extension of the visa bond system since it was first piloted.
How Much Is the US Visa Bond Starting 2026 Onwards?
The U.S. visa bond amount is not fixed — it is decided case by case by the consular officer during your visa interview. If your application falls under the Visa Bond Program, you may be asked to deposit one of the following amounts:
- $5,000 visa bond – typically for lower-risk applicants
- $10,000 visa bond – for moderate-risk travel profiles
- $15,000 visa bond – for higher-risk cases based on overstay history or weak travel ties
The final bond amount depends on key factors such as your previous travel history, financial stability, purpose of visit, and the officer’s assessment of overstay risk.
Important for Visa Applicants to Know
Paying the visa bond does not guarantee U.S. visa approval. The bond is only required after your visa is approved and serves as a compliance condition, not an approval shortcut. Your visa can still be refused if you do not meet standard eligibility requirements
Who Is Affected?
The policy now applies to travelers from 38 countries with historically higher visa overstay rates. Newly added countries include nations from:
- South Asia
- West and Central Africa
- The Caribbean
- Central Asia
- Latin America
Some examples of newly affected nationalities include applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and several island nations.
Notably, India is not currently on the visa-bond list, but neighboring countries are — showing how targeted the program has become.
How the Visa Bond Process Works?
-
Visa Interview
During your B-1/B-2 interview, the consular officer decides whether a bond applies to your case. -
Bond Instruction
If required, you will receive official instructions to post the bond. -
Payment
The bond is paid through an official U.S. government payment system — never through agents or third parties. -
Visa Issuance
Only after the bond is confirmed can the visa be finalized. -
Refund
If you exit the U.S. on time and comply with your visa conditions, the bond is refunded.
Why the Policy Is So Controversial?
Financial Barrier for Travelers: For many applicants, $5,000 to $15,000 equals several months — sometimes years — of income. Critics argue this turns visitor visas into a privilege for the wealthy rather than a universal travel opportunity.
Nationality-Based Screening: Human-rights groups say the policy unfairly penalizes people based on passport, not personal history or intent.
Part of a Broader Tightening Trend: The American visa bond expansion comes alongside stricter U.S. immigration enforcement, including tougher vetting, higher refusal rates, and expanded travel restrictions for some regions.
What This Means for Global Travelers?
If you are from a country affected by the new policy, planning a trip to the United States in 2026 now requires more preparation than ever.
What applicants should do:
- Prepare financial documents early
- Demonstrate strong home-country ties
- Show clear travel purpose and return plans
- Only pay bonds when officially instructed
- Keep proof of timely departure for refund processing
Travel agencies and education consultants are also advising students and business travelers to factor this policy into their 2026 mobility plans.
Reference: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html.