US visa applicants from 50 countries may face bonds of up to $20,000

The US State Department will make permanent a visa bond program that may require applicants from 50 countries to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for business or tourist visas, Report informs, citing Reuters.

The rule applies to B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism travel.

According to a Federal Register notice, consular officers may require covered applicants to post a bond as a condition for receiving a visa.

The State Department said a 2025 pilot program had provided enough data to suggest that visa bonds can help ensure compliance among visa holders. Under the pilot program, officers could require bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or up to $15,000. The final rule removes the $5,000 option and raises the maximum bond to $20,000.

The rule is set to take effect on August 3, when it is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register. Of the 50 countries covered by the program, 30 are in Africa.

US officials say the policy is aimed at reducing visa overstays. Immigration advocates say it could discourage legitimate travel to the United States.