US Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent, Affecting 30 African Countries
The United States has made permanent a visa bond program requiring certain applicants from 50 countries, including 30 African nations, to pay security deposits of up to 20,000 US dollars before receiving some business and tourist visas.
The new policy took effect on August 3, 2026, and applies to applicants seeking B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. Under the program, U.S. consular officers may require eligible applicants to post a refundable security bond as a condition for visa approval.
The bond will be returned if the traveler complies with the terms of their visa and leaves the United States as required. However, the deposit may be forfeited if the individual overstays or violates U.S. immigration laws.
The permanent rule expands a pilot program introduced in August 2025. During the trial phase, applicants could be asked to pay bonds of 5,000, 10,000, or 15,000 US dollars. Under the revised policy, the 5,000-dollar option has been removed, while the 10,000- and 15,000-dollar tiers remain. A new maximum bond of 20,000 US dollars has also been introduced.
Thirty African countries are included in the program, among them Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Whether an applicant is required to pay a bond will depend on an individual assessment by U.S. consular officers during the visa application process.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the program is intended to reduce visa overstays and improve compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. Officials say results from the pilot phase showed that requiring financial guarantees encouraged travelers to follow the conditions of their visas.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from immigration experts and tourism stakeholders, who argue that the high deposits could make travel to the United States unaffordable for many legitimate visitors, particularly those from lower-income countries.
Critics also warn that the measure could discourage tourism, reduce business travel and negatively affect sectors of the U.S. economy that benefit from international visitors.
The visa bond program is expected to continue as part of the United States’ broader efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement while allowing consular officers greater discretion in assessing visa applications.
