The administration of Donald Trump is expanding a visa bond program that will require certain travelers to provide a $15,000 bond when applying for entry to the United States, according to a State Department official. The update adds 12 more countries to the policy, bringing the total to 50.
The requirement applies to applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas, which are used for business and tourism travel. Officials said the expanded program will take effect on April 2.
Bond requirement aims to ensure compliance
Under the policy, applicants must pay the bond before a visa is issued. Authorities said the payment acts as a financial guarantee that travelers will follow visa conditions and leave the country within the permitted time.
Officials said the bond will be refunded to those who comply with the rules. This includes travelers who depart on time or those who decide not to travel after receiving a visa.
The State Department is keeping America's borders secure and preventing visa overstays.
Nationals from 50 countries will soon be required to provide a $15,000 bond for business and tourist visas – returned to those who comply with their visa terms and return home on time. pic.twitter.com/SewS69b0Pb
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 18, 2026
The measure is designed to reduce visa overstays. Overstaying occurs when visitors remain in the United States beyond the period allowed by their visa.
Twelve new countries added to the list
The program previously covered 38 countries, most of them in Africa. The latest expansion adds Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
Officials said the countries were selected based on higher rates of visa overstays. A State Department official said the bond system has already helped lower such cases under the earlier version of the program.
Part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy
The visa bond program forms part of a wider effort to tighten immigration controls. Since returning to the office, Trump, a Republican, has adopted a stricter approach to entry and enforcement.
It costs the American taxpayer over $18,000 on average to remove an illegal alien from the United States.
Our expanded visa bond program will save U.S. taxpayers up to $800 MILLION per year while drastically reducing the number of illegal visa overstays. pic.twitter.com/ck8EPFaZd1
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 18, 2026
His administration has increased deportations, revoked visas and green cards in some cases, and expanded screening of applicants. This includes reviewing social media activity and past public statements.
In June last year, Trump also introduced a travel ban that fully or partially restricted entry from 19 countries on national security grounds.
Criticism and support divide opinion
Human rights groups have criticized the policy and similar measures introduced under the administration. They argue that the rules create financial barriers and may weaken due process protections and free speech for foreign nationals.
Trump and his allies have defended the approach. They say the policy strengthens national security and improves compliance with immigration rules.
Officials expect the expanded visa bond program to take effect on April 2, adding another layer to U.S. immigration enforcement and oversight.
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