The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has expanded its visa bond pilot program, adding 12 more countries to the list of nations subject to the requirement. Effective April 2, 2026, citizens from these newly added countries who are applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas may be required to post a financial bond before their visa is issued.
Under the expanded rules, consular officers can determine at the time of the visa interview whether an applicant must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The pilot program, initially launched earlier this year, is designed to deter visa overstays by requiring a financial guarantee that the visitor will depart the United States upon the expiration of their authorized stay.
This expansion comes amid broader efforts by the administration to tighten immigration controls and enhance border security. The move has raised concerns among travel and business groups about the potential chilling effect on international tourism and commerce, particularly ahead of major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.