The United States has significantly elevated financial barriers for visa applicants from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica through the implementation of a new immigration bond mandate. Effective January 21, 2026, nationals from these Caribbean nations seeking B1 business or B2 tourist visas may be required to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 as part of their application process.
This development follows the Trump administration’s substantial expansion of the visa bond pilot program, which has grown from initially encompassing 13 nations to now including 38 countries. The dramatic tripling of participating countries within a single week represents a substantial shift in U.S. immigration policy approach.
The bond amount determination occurs during visa interviews and applies exclusively to applicants who otherwise meet eligibility criteria. Crucially, bond submission does not guarantee visa approval, as the requirement is assessed individually for each case.
According to the U.S. Department of State, these financial guarantees are designed to ensure compliance with immigration regulations, particularly preventing visa overstays. The bond amount is fully refundable provided travelers enter and exit the United States in accordance with their visa conditions.
Additional travel restrictions accompany the bond requirement. Affected nationals must utilize only three designated ports of entry: Boston Logan International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. This limitation substantially reduces travel flexibility for citizens of these Caribbean nations seeking to visit the United States.