U.S. Visa Bond Requirements Expand to 38 Countries in 2026

The U.S. Department of State has significantly expanded its visa bond pilot program, now requiring citizens from 38 designated countries to post refundable bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. The requirement, effective January 21, 2026, applies to nationals from countries with historically high overstay rates, including Nigeria, Venezuela, Bangladesh, and newly added nations like Bhutan and Turkmenistan.