The United States has significantly expanded its controversial visa bond initiative, nearly tripling the number of countries whose citizens must post financial guarantees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for certain U.S. visas. The State Department confirmed the program will now apply to passport holders from 38 nations, with the latest expansion adding 25 countries effective January 21, 2026.
This policy enhancement follows previous additions made in 2025 and represents one of the most extensive applications of visa bonds to date. The newly affected nations span multiple continents, including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Cuba, Dominica, Fiji, Nepal, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, among others. They join earlier additions such as Bhutan, Botswana, and Zambia, which faced implementation dates throughout 2025.
U.S. authorities defend the measure as an essential mechanism to ensure compliance with visa terms and reduce overstay rates. The program operates under INA Section 221(g)(3) and a Temporary Final Rule, utilizing Department of Homeland Security data tracking B1/B2 visa violations. Officials emphasize that bond payment doesn’t guarantee visa approval but will be refunded if the application is denied or if the holder fully complies with all conditions during their stay.
The expansion occurs within a broader context of tightened U.S. entry requirements that include mandatory in-person interviews, extensive social media history disclosures, and detailed accounts of applicants’ travel and living arrangements. Critics argue the financial requirements create prohibitive barriers for citizens from affected nations, most of which are developing countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Administration supporters maintain the program represents a necessary safeguard for immigration enforcement.
Implementation will occur on staggered dates, with most new countries beginning enforcement on January 21, 2026, while earlier additions like Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania already faced requirements in 2025. This policy shift underscores the administration’s continued focus on restricting immigration pathways through financial deterrence mechanisms.