The United States has further tightened entry requirements for foreign visitors, as the Donald Trump administration has expanded a visa rule that requires certain applicants to post a financial bond before being considered for entry.
According to updates reflected on the official travel.state.gov website, the policy came into effect on January 1 without a formal public announcement. With the latest change, the total number of countries subject to the visa bond requirement has increased to 13, the majority of which are located in Africa.
Newly Added Countries
The US State Department has added the following seven countries to the list:
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Bhutan
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Botswana
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Central African Republic
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Guinea
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Guinea-Bissau
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Namibia
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Turkmenistan
These countries join Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, which were included in earlier phases of the policy during August and October last year.
How the Visa Bond Works
Under the expanded rule, visa applicants from the listed countries may be required to deposit a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. US authorities say the measure is intended to discourage visa overstays and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Officials have clarified that posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval. The bond is refundable if the visa application is denied or once the traveler demonstrates that they have fully complied with the terms of their visa.
Rising Concerns Over Accessibility
The expansion has sparked concern among immigration observers, who warn that the added financial burden could make US visas unaffordable for many applicants, particularly those from developing nations.
The bond requirement is part of a broader tightening of US immigration procedures under the Trump administration. Recent measures have included mandatory in-person visa interviews, expanded social media disclosure requirements, and detailed scrutiny of applicants’ travel histories as well as those of their immediate family members.
Together, these changes mark a significant shift toward stricter screening and higher entry barriers for travelers seeking to enter the United States.
