The $20,000 visa bond requirement for citizens of 50 countries is now permanent, not temporary.
The United States has made permanent its visa bond program, which requires citizens of 50 countries to post a financial guarantee of up to $20,000 when applying for a US tourist or visitor visa. The program was initially rolled out as a pilot but is now a standing policy.
If you're a citizen of one of the 50 affected countries—including nations in Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East—you'll need to post a bond before your visa interview. The bond is held by the US State Department and returned when you leave the country or your visa expires, provided you haven't violated visa terms (overstaying, working illegally, etc.).
Citizens of 50 countries must now post a permanent $20,000 visa bond to enter the United States.
The bond amount varies by country and individual risk assessment, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. You can post it through a bank, surety company, or directly with the State Department. This adds significant cost and complexity to the visa application process. Check the State Department website to confirm your country is on the list and the required amount before scheduling your interview.
Source: original report ↗
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