What's Happening?
The United States has expanded its visa bond program, now affecting travelers from 38 countries who may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to secure entry visas. This policy, confirmed by the U.S. Department of State, adds 25 countries to the original
list announced in August 2025. The program, which will take effect on January 21, 2026, applies to applicants seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas. The initiative is part of a 12-month pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstays. Under the program, U.S. consular officers have the discretion to require eligible applicants to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, based on perceived overstay risk. The bond is refundable if visa conditions are met and the traveler departs the U.S. on time. Travelers must enter and exit the U.S. through one of three approved airports: Boston Logan International, New York JFK, or Washington Dulles International.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the visa bond program presents a significant challenge for the U.S. inbound tourism sector, which has not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The policy could deter international visitors, particularly from the newly added countries, many of which are in Africa. This is especially concerning as several of these nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to draw millions of international visitors to the U.S. The requirement for a visa bond adds a financial burden and could discourage potential travelers, impacting tourism revenue and international relations. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's consideration of requiring up to five years of social media history from travelers under the Visa Waiver Program could further dampen demand.
What's Next?
The State Department has indicated that the list of countries subject to the visa bond requirement may be updated on an ongoing basis. This suggests that more countries could be added or removed based on their visa overstay rates. The tourism industry and affected countries may lobby for changes or exemptions to the policy, especially in light of major international events like the FIFA World Cup. Monitoring the impact of this policy on travel patterns and international relations will be crucial for stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
