The U.S. government has expanded its list of countries whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for visas. The new designations, affecting seven additional nations, raise the cost of entry for many applicants and reflect the administration’s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration and security measures.
Expansion of Visa Bond Requirements
The Trump administration has added Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan to the list of countries requiring high-value bonds for visa applications. These additions bring the total number of countries under the program to thirteen, most of them in Africa.
The bond requirement, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000, is intended to reduce overstays and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. The payment in no case guarantees visa approval, but the bonds are refunded if the visas are denied or if the applicants comply with the visa conditions.
Previous Designations and Policy Context
The bond list was expanded in August and October 2025 to include Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia. This policy is compatible with other steps the administration has taken to introduce, such as obligatory in-person interviews, detailed disclosure of social media activity, and thorough narration of applicants’ and family members’ travel and residence histories.
Government officials assert that the bond program guarantees compliance with U.S. immigration rules by nationals of designated countries. At the same time, critics caution that the high costs could act as a barrier to travel for ordinary people and make it even harder for applicants from low-income regions.
Implications for Visa Applicants
Applicants from the newly designated countries will face increased financial hurdles when applying for U.S. visas. The bonds, combined with other documentation requirements, could slow application processing times and make entry unaffordable for some.
The policy continues the administration’s broader strategy to tighten control over U.S. borders, improve compliance with visa regulations, and manage the risk of overstays.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of the visa bond program highlights ongoing changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and application procedures. Observers expect these requirements to remain under review, with potential future updates affecting additional countries.
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