Washington,
D.C.
The United States government has
significantly tightened its visa application process, expanding a controversial
“visa bond” requirement to cover 38 countries around the
world. Under the new rules set to take effect from January
21, 2026. With these changes slated to begin later this month,
many around the world are watching closely to see how these expanded rules will
affect travel, education, family reunions, and business connections with the
United States.
List
of 38 Countries Affected by the U.S. Visa Bond Requirement
1.
Algeria
2.
Angola
3.
Antigua
and Barbuda
4.
Bangladesh
5.
Benin
6.
Bhutan
7.
Botswana
8.
Burundi
9.
Cape Verde
10. Cuba
11. Central African Republic
12. Djibouti
13. Dominica
14. Fiji
15. Gabon
16. The Gambia
17. Guinea
18. Guinea-Bissau
19. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
20. Kyrgyzstan
21. Malawi
22. Mauritania
23. Namibia
24. Nepal
25. Nigeria
26. São Tomé and Príncipe
27. Senegal
28. Tajikistan
29. Tanzania
30. Togo
31. Tonga
32. Turkmenistan
33. Tuvalu
34. Uganda
35. Vanuatu
36. Venezuela
37. Zambia
38. Zimbabwe
How
It Works?
Under this policy, applicants from
these countries may be asked to post a
financial bond typically between $5,000
and $15,000 through the U.S. Treasury before their visa application is
processed. The bond acts as a guarantee
that the traveler will leave the United States before their visa expires.
The visa bond policy is seen as part
of a broader shift toward stricter immigration rules by the U.S. government.
While officials argue the bonds help ensure compliance with visa terms, critics
warn that high bond requirements could
price out ordinary travelers, students and business visitors from
seeking temporary entry to the United States.
