The US State Department has made its visa bond program permanent, setting a maximum bond requirement of $20,000 for visa applicants from 50 countries. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on August 3, 2026, upon publication in the Federal Register.
Visa Bond Applies to B1 and B2 Visa Holders from 50 Countries
This program affects applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel. Among the 50 affected countries, 30 are located in Africa. Bangladesh is also included in the list of countries subject to the bond requirement.
Pilot Program Informed Permanent Implementation
The 2025 visa bond pilot, managed jointly by the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of
the Treasury, provided data supporting the program’s effectiveness in ensuring compliance by visa holders. During the pilot, consular officers could require bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or up to $15,000. The permanent rule removes the $5,000 option and raises the maximum bond amount to $20,000.
Policy Aims to Reduce Visa Overstays amid Advocacy Concerns
US officials have stated the visa bond policy aims to reduce visa overstays. Consular officers have discretion to require bonds up to $20,000 as a condition for issuing the visa, according to the State Department notice. Advocacy groups caution that the program may deter legitimate travel and raise concerns about due process and racial profiling. The
bond requirement adds to a series of Trump administration immigration measures, including new fees and social media vetting for visa applicants.
