U.S. expands visa bond policy to more countries, but the price tag is raising eyebrows

The U.S. State Department is expanding its visa bond policy to include 12 additional countries, requiring some travelers to pay up to $15,000 for business or tourist visas starting April 2. As reported by Fox News, the move is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to address visa overstays and illegal immigration.

The policy applies to passport holders from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. Applicants for B1 and B2 visas from these countries will be required to post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on a determination made during their visa interview.

If a visa application is denied, the bond is refunded. If approved, travelers only receive the refund after complying with visa terms, including not overstaying their permitted time in the United States.

The policy expansion builds on an earlier rollout

The visa bond requirement was first introduced last year as part of efforts to reduce the number of individuals who overstay visas and remain in the U.S. without authorization. With the addition of these countries, the total number subject to the policy will reach 50 by April 2.

Officials have pointed to overstay rates as a key factor in determining which countries are included. Many of the newly added nations are in Africa, though the list also spans regions in Asia, Latin America, and island nations, amid the Senate voting bill fight.

The State Department says the program has shown strong results so far. According to officials, nearly 97 percent of roughly 1,000 individuals who posted bonds complied with their visa terms and did not overstay.

That compliance rate has been cited as evidence that the policy is working as intended. Immigration enforcement has also remained under scrutiny in the green card detention case.

The administration maintains that the bond system provides a financial incentive for compliance. For travelers from the affected countries, the requirement introduces a significant upfront cost tied directly to following visa rules.