U.S. Expands $15,000 Visa Bond Pilot to 13 Countries, Effective January 2026

The U.S. Department of State has announced an expansion of its $15,000 Visa Bond Pilot Program for B-1/B-2 (business and tourist) visa applicants, adding seven new countries to the scheme and bringing the total number of affected countries to 13.

According to the update, the revised policy will take effect on January 1, 2026. The visa bond requirement is designed to encourage compliance with U.S. immigration laws by requiring certain applicants to post a refundable bond as a condition for visa issuance.

Under the program, applicants from designated countries may be required to deposit $15,000 before receiving a B-1/B-2 visa. The bond is refundable if the traveler complies with the terms of the visa, including departing the United States on or before the authorized stay expires. Failure to comply could result in forfeiture of the bond.

U.S. authorities say the pilot is part of broader efforts to address visa overstays while maintaining lawful travel channels for tourism and short-term business. Officials emphasize that the bond requirement does not apply to all applicants globally, but only to nationals of countries identified under the pilot based on overstay data and other risk indicators.

While the Department of State has not yet released the full official list in a single public notice, immigration analysts advise prospective travelers to monitor embassy announcements and official U.S. government communications for confirmation on whether their country is included.

Immigration experts are also urging applicants to seek accurate information from authorized sources, noting that the policy does not replace standard visa eligibility requirements such as proof of ties to one’s home country, financial capacity, and travel intent.

As the January 2026 implementation date approaches, affected applicants are encouraged to plan ahead, verify requirements early, and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.

More details on the affected countries and implementation guidelines are expected in subsequent official updates from the U.S. Department of State.