A significant shift in U.S. travel policy is unfolding, dramatically increasing the financial burden for visitors from dozens of nations. The State Department recently expanded a program demanding substantial bonds – up to $15,000 – from certain foreign travelers before they can even set foot on American soil.
This expansion nearly triples the number of countries whose citizens face this requirement, adding 25 nations to an existing list. The move, implemented just days ago, brings the total to 38 countries subject to the bond, with the vast majority located in Africa, alongside others in Latin America and Asia.
For many prospective travelers, particularly those from countries with economic challenges, these bond amounts represent a prohibitive cost. The requirement applies to those seeking B1/B2 visas – typically for business or tourism – and the specific bond amount is determined during the visa interview process.
While the bond is refundable if a visa is denied or if the holder adheres to visa regulations, the upfront financial hurdle raises serious concerns about accessibility. The new policy for countries like Venezuela takes effect later this month, adding immediate pressure on applicants.
The State Department initiated a pilot program last summer, targeting countries with higher rates of visa overstays and concerns about document security. This recent expansion appears to be a direct continuation of that effort, aiming to tighten immigration enforcement.
This change is part of a broader pattern of evolving U.S. immigration policies enacted in recent years. These policies have significantly altered the landscape of travel, visa acquisition, and the path to citizenship.
Beyond the financial bonds, the administration has also implemented stricter interview requirements, demanding in-person meetings for all visa applicants and extensive disclosure of social media history, family travel records, and past residences.
Further reinforcing border security, the Department of Homeland Security recently activated a new rule expanding the use of facial recognition technology for all non-citizens entering and exiting the country. These measures signal a clear emphasis on increased scrutiny and control.
The newly added countries facing the bond requirement include Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
This list joins existing countries already subject to the bond, including Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, and Zambia. The implications of these changes are far-reaching, potentially reshaping travel patterns and international relations.
