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Georgia has become the first European country whose citizens must post a $15,000 bond to obtain a US visa. This unprecedented requirement marks a sharp escalation in US visa screening and reflects broader immigration policy changes under the Trump administration.
The bond is a financial guarantee that applicants must deposit before visa approval. It's intended to ensure compliance with US immigration law—specifically, that visa holders will not overstay or violate the terms of their visa. If the applicant leaves the US on time and follows all conditions, the bond is refunded. If they violate the terms, the bond is forfeited.
Georgia is now the first European country requiring a $15,000 bond for US visas.
What this means for Georgians: the $15,000 requirement is a significant barrier to travel and work visas. Georgian citizens planning to visit, study, or work in the US should budget for this cost and understand that posting the bond does not guarantee visa approval—it's one step in a more rigorous vetting process. For expats with Georgian family or business ties, this makes sponsoring Georgian employees or relatives substantially more expensive. The policy may signal that similar requirements could expand to other countries, so monitor US State Department announcements if you're from a country with high visa overstay rates.
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