The administration of former President Donald Trump has significantly expanded a controversial visa bond programme, compelling travellers from a far greater number of countries to post a financial guarantee of up to $15,000 to enter the United States.
Expanded List and Stricter Requirements
The US State Department has added 25 new countries to its visa bond list, bringing the total to 38 nations. The expansion, which takes effect from 21 January 2026, predominantly affects countries across Africa, but also includes nations in Latin America and Asia.
Under the new rules, applicants from these countries face a bond requirement ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Crucially, payment does not guarantee visa approval. The bond is refunded if the application is denied or if the visa holder complies fully with the terms of their stay and leaves the US on time.
Additional Scrutiny for Applicants
Alongside the financial guarantee, applicants from the listed nations will encounter heightened scrutiny. Mandatory in-person interviews and the disclosure of social media histories are now standard requirements. Furthermore, travellers must enter and exit the United States through specifically designated ports, limiting their points of arrival and departure.
This policy is framed by the administration as a measure to tighten entry requirements and combat visa overstays. The substantial bond acts as a financial deterrent against visitors remaining in the country beyond the permitted period.
Implications and Global Reaction
The near-tripling of the list is likely to provoke diplomatic friction and criticism from civil liberties groups, who may argue the policy unfairly targets developing nations. For affected travellers, the high cost creates a significant additional barrier to US travel and tourism, potentially impacting family visits, business, and education.
The move represents a continuation of the Trump administration's focus on restrictive immigration and travel policies. While the bond is refundable under set conditions, the upfront financial burden places considerable strain on applicants from the 38 designated countries.
