The US has made permanent its visa bond program, which requires applicants from approximately 50 countries to post bonds of up to $20,000 before receiving a visa. The countries affected are predominantly African nations. This is not a temporary pilot; it is now standard policy.
Immigration & Visas
US Visa Bond Requirement Now Permanent for 50 Countries
The US has made its $20,000 visa bond requirement permanent for travelers from roughly 50 countries, mostly in Africa—a major cost barrier for visa applicants.
A $20,000 bond is now a permanent requirement for visa applicants from roughly 50 countries.
If you are a citizen of an affected country applying for a US visa, you will need to demonstrate the ability to post a bond—essentially a financial guarantee that you will not overstay or violate visa terms. The bond amount varies but can reach $20,000. Check the US State Department's visa website or contact your nearest US embassy to confirm whether your country is on the list and what bond amount applies to your visa category. This requirement significantly raises the cost and complexity of US visa applications for affected nationals.
Source: original report ↗
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