New Visa Bond Policy Explained
Starting January 21, 2026, the United States has tightened its B1/B2 visitor visa rules for citizens of 38 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Under the updated system, applicants from selected nations may be required to deposit a refundable visa bond ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 before being allowed to travel.
US authorities have clarified that this bond is not a fee, but a compliance measure designed to reduce visa overstays and misuse. The bond amount is decided during the visa interview based on individual risk assessment. Paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and if a visa is denied, the bond is refunded.
Countries Covered Under the New Rule
The updated policy includes Bangladesh and Nepal, along with several countries from Africa and Latin America. Some of the affected nations include Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Countries such as Bhutan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Turkmenistan were already part of the earlier list.
Despite its close geographic proximity and high travel volume, India has been kept outside this policy, meaning Indian B1/B2 visa applicants are not required to submit any visa bond at this time.
Designated Airports for Entry and Exit
Travelers required to post a bond must enter and exit the United States only through selected international airports. These include major hubs such as New York, Boston, and Washington. Using unauthorized airports may result in compliance issues or affect bond refunds.
This restriction is intended to improve tracking and enforcement of visa conditions for high-risk categories.
Rules for Compliance and Bond Refund
To receive a full refund of the visa bond, travelers must:
Leave the US before or on the visa expiry date
Avoid unauthorized employment
Follow all visitor visa conditions
Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the bond and possible restrictions on future US visas.
Impact on International Travel
Travel experts believe the bond requirement could discourage short-term leisure and family travel from affected countries. The need to temporarily block a large amount of money may lead many travelers to reconsider destinations or delay trips.
The US tourism industry could see mixed effects depending on how strictly the policy is enforced and how travelers adapt.
Why India Is Exempt
India’s exemption is significant due to its strong compliance record and high number of legitimate travelers to the US. However, officials have indicated that the list of affected countries may change in the future based on visa compliance trends.
