The United States has introduced a new condition for visa applicants by expanding its visa bond requirement to include citizens of seven additional countries, further tightening entry rules.
Under the updated policy, applicants from certain countries may now be required to deposit a financial bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 at the time of applying for a US visa. With the latest additions, the total number of countries subject to this requirement has risen to 13, most of which are located in Africa.
According to reports cited by the Associated Press, the United States Department of State had previously applied the bond condition to countries including Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia last year.
The newly added countries are:
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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
The new requirement came into effect on January 1.
Purpose of the Visa Bond
US officials say the bond is intended to discourage visa overstays and ensure that travelers comply with the terms of their visas. Authorities have clarified that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval.
If a visa application is rejected, or if the visa holder exits the country after complying with all visa conditions, the bond amount is refunded.
Part of Broader Visa Tightening
The move is part of broader immigration and visa controls introduced under the Donald Trump administration. These measures include mandatory in-person interviews, expanded social media disclosure requirements, and detailed scrutiny of applicants’ travel histories and residential records.
Experts warn that the expanded bond policy could make US visas more expensive and less accessible for citizens of affected countries, potentially impacting international travel, education, and business ties.
Via: City42
