Visa Bond Pilot: $5K–$15K for Select B-1/B-2 Nationals

The U.S. Department of State has implemented a visa bond requirement for certain nationals applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas. This measure, authorized under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, applies to citizens or nationals of designated countries with elevated B-1/B-2 overstay rates, as identified in the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit Overstay Report.

The information provided here is based on the official U.S. Department of State announcement “Countries Subject to Visa Bonds,” last updated January 6, 2026.

Overview of the Visa Bond Requirement

The visa bond serves as a financial guarantee to ensure compliance with visa terms, particularly timely departure from the United States. It is required for applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa but hold passports from listed countries.

Bond Amounts: Determined by the consular officer during the visa interview; options are $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 USD. These amounts are calibrated based on estimated immigration enforcement costs, approximately $17,121 per individual.
Applicability: Applies regardless of the location where the visa application is submitted.
Visa Issuance: Posting the bond does not guarantee visa approval. Visas issued under this requirement are typically single-entry and valid for up to three months, with maximum authorized stays limited to 30 days.

The program, initially launched as a 12-month pilot on August 20, 2025, and set to run until August 5, 2026, aims to assess the feasibility of bonds in reducing overstays. It has been expanded progressively, with critics noting it creates economic barriers, particularly for travelers from developing nations, potentially discouraging tourism and business visits.

Countries Subject to the Visa Bond Requirement

The following countries are currently designated, with implementation dates in parentheses. The list now totals 38 countries following the addition of 25 nations, including Venezuela and Cuba, effective January 21, 2026.

Algeria (January 21, 2026)
Angola (January 21, 2026)
Antigua and Barbuda (January 21, 2026)
Bangladesh (January 21, 2026)
Benin (January 21, 2026)
Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
Botswana (January 1, 2026)
Burundi (January 21, 2026)
Cabo Verde (January 21, 2026)
Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
Côte d’Ivoire (January 21, 2026)
Cuba (January 21, 2026)
Djibouti (January 21, 2026)
Dominica (January 21, 2026)
Fiji (January 21, 2026)
Gabon (January 21, 2026)
The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
Guinea (January 1, 2026)
Guinea-Bissau (January 1, 2026)
Kyrgyzstan (January 21, 2026)
Malawi (August 20, 2025)
Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
Namibia (January 1, 2026)
Nepal (January 21, 2026)
Nigeria (January 21, 2026)
São Tomé and Príncipe (October 23, 2025)
Senegal (January 21, 2026)
Tajikistan (January 21, 2026)
Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
Togo (January 21, 2026)
Tonga (January 21, 2026)
Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)
Tuvalu (January 21, 2026)
Uganda (January 21, 2026)
Vanuatu (January 21, 2026)
Venezuela (January 21, 2026)
Zambia (August 20, 2025)
Zimbabwe (January 21, 2026)

The list is subject to periodic review and potential updates based on annual overstay data.

Bond Posting Process

During the visa interview, the consular officer will inform the applicant if a bond is required and specify the amount.
Applicants must complete DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond).
Payment is processed exclusively through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform using the link provided by the consular officer.
Do not initiate payment prior to consular instruction, as unauthorized payments are non-refundable.

This process adds to standard visa fees and may pose liquidity challenges, requiring applicants or their sponsors to tie up significant funds temporarily.

Refund Conditions

The bond is fully refundable under the following circumstances:

Timely departure from the U.S. prior to expiration of authorized stay (verified by DHS records).
No travel to the U.S. before visa expiration.
Denial of entry at a U.S. port of entry.

Potential breaches (e.g., overstay or unauthorized status adjustment) may result in forfeiture, with cases referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for determination.

Designated Entry and Exit Ports

To facilitate accurate entry/exit tracking and compliance verification, visa holders subject to this bond requirement must enter and depart the United States exclusively through the following international airports:

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts (effective August 20, 2025)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York, New York (effective August 20, 2025)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Virginia (effective August 20, 2025)

Entry or departure via other ports (including land borders, seaports, or alternative airports) may prevent proper recording of departure, potentially leading to bond forfeiture or future admissibility issues. Travelers should plan itineraries accordingly, preferably with round-trip flights through one of these designated airports. These restrictions may increase travel costs and reduce flexibility, further impacting business and leisure travel efficiency.

Recommendations for Applicants

Prepare thorough documentation demonstrating ties to your home country and intent to depart the U.S.
Verify requirements with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate prior to scheduling an interview.
Use only official government platforms for payments to avoid fraud.

This requirement aims to promote compliance with U.S. immigration laws. For personalized guidance, contact your local U.S. consular post or refer to the official State Department website.

Potential Impacts on U.S. Tourism: Insights from Related Policies and Early Reports

The visa bond program is part of broader U.S. immigration and visa policy tightening under the current administration, which have been linked to declines in international tourism. While direct data on the bond program’s effects is emerging, related stories and analyses of similar restrictions provide context on potential repercussions for visitor numbers, spending, and the U.S. tourism industry.

Declining International Arrivals and Spending: In late 2025, international visitor arrivals to the U.S. plummeted, with overseas arrivals dropping 7.7% in September, 3.1% in October, and 3.5% in November year-over-year, reaching only 87.4% of pre-COVID levels in October. This slowdown hampered post-pandemic recovery, with total international arrivals decreasing 6.2% in June 2025 compared to 2024. The U.S. is projected to be the only major economy experiencing a decline in international visitor spending in 2025, with losses estimated at $8.3 billion to $12.5 billion (potentially up to $29 billion), attributed to visa hurdles, higher fees, and policy uncertainties. For instance, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a $12.5 billion loss in visitor spending due to these factors.
Regional Drops and Market Shifts: Sharp declines have been observed from key markets, including a 26% drop in Canadian arrivals through November 2025 (potentially costing $5.7 billion), nearly 12% from Germany, 7% from France, and 6% from South Korea. China saw a 20% decrease, with tourists shifting to Thailand, Japan, and Europe due to complicated processes and political tensions. Western Europe experienced a 17% decline in March 2025, while Mexico reported a 30% drop in land border crossings. These shifts have led tourists to alternatives like Spain, Italy, and Australia, eroding the U.S.’s status as a top vacation destination.
Economic and Industry Effects: Stricter policies, including the $250 “visa integrity fee” (adding up to $1,000 for a family of four) and long wait times (over six months in some countries, exceeding a year in India and China), have deterred travelers, reducing international spending by $12 billion in 2025 and affecting sectors like hospitality in New York and Los Angeles. In Florida, new rules are expected to hurt tourism, contributing to restaurant closures amid worker shortages from immigration crackdowns. Industry experts, such as former WTTC president Gloria Guevara, note that “People don’t like to pay for visas. They prefer to spend that money on their vacation expenses,” predicting impacts on families and new travelers. Kyle Remp of Bonotel Exclusive Travel reported clients viewing the U.S. as “no longer worth it” due to fees and concerns over social media reviews.
Broader Context and Projections: Overall, 4.5 million fewer international visits are expected in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by negative sentiment, economic uncertainties, and border uncertainties. While domestic tourism has surged in states like Florida, California, and Hawaii to offset losses, experts warn of long-term risks to U.S. “soft power” and economic growth, with potential job losses (e.g., 15,000 in travel) and reduced tax revenue ($450 million). The bond program, with its high costs and restrictions, may exacerbate these trends, particularly for affected countries, by creating additional barriers to entry.

These insights highlight the interconnected effects of visa policies on global travel patterns. Travelers and industry stakeholders should monitor updates closely.