US Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent for 50 Countries
The State Department has made the B-1/B-2 visa bond requirement permanent for travelers from 50 countries, mostly in Africa, and increased the bond amounts.
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The U.S. State Department has made permanent the B-1/B-2 visa bond program for citizens of 50 countries, predominantly in Africa. This means travelers from these nations must now post a financial bond—essentially a security deposit—to obtain a U.S. visitor visa. The bond amounts have also been increased.
A visa bond is a guarantee that you'll leave the U.S. when your authorized stay ends. If you overstay, the bond is forfeited. The permanent status of this program means it's no longer a temporary measure—it's now standard policy for these countries. The higher bond amounts make U.S. travel more expensive and administratively complex for citizens of affected nations.
The U.S. has made the visa bond requirement permanent for 50 countries, mostly in Africa.
If you're from one of the 50 countries and planning to visit the U.S., budget for the bond cost and allow extra time for visa processing. Check the State Department website for the specific bond amount for your country and the required documentation. This is a real barrier to entry, not a formality.
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