US makes visa bond programme permanent: Effective date, affected countries explained
The US State Department made the visa bond program permanent, effective August 3, 2026.
Certain B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, may be required to pay a refundable bond up to $20,000.
The bond is a financial guarantee to reduce visa overstays, assessed case-by-case by consular officers.
The pilot program tested bonds of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000, but the permanent rule removes the $5,000 option and raises the ceiling to $20,000.
The bond is refunded if visitors comply with visa rules; it may be forfeited for overstaying or violating conditions.
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