US State Department Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent for 50 Countries

The US State Department is making a visa bond pilot program permanent for citizens of 50 countries, primarily in Africa. The rule applies to B1 and B2 visas used for business and tourism. Under the new regulations, consular officers can require applicants to post a bond of either $10,000 or $20,000. This is an increase from the pilot program, which offered options of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. The $5,000 option has been removed.

The program was launched by the Trump administration to reduce visa overstays and illegal immigration. State Department officials describe the program as a success, noting that overstays among covered applicants dropped from nearly 45,500 in 2024 to fewer than 50 during the first ten months of the pilot. However, the requirement led to an 83 percent drop in visa issuance for citizens of the listed countries, as nearly half of the 20,000 covered applicants chose not to pay the bond.

The list of 50 countries includes 30 from Africa, as well as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cuba, Venezuela, and others. The bond is refunded if the visa is denied or if the traveler follows all visa rules after entering the US. The rule becomes final on Monday.

Perspectives on the policy vary based on political framing. Center leaning reports focus on the administrative details and the government's stated goal of reducing overstays. Center right leaning coverage highlights the broader context of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, noting that rights advocates view the measures as a violation of due process and a catalyst for racial profiling, while the administration defends them as necessary for national security.