U.S. ups visa bond rules to $15K
The U.S. expanded its B‑visa bond program to cover 50 countries with a $15,000 bond requirement for B1/B2 visitors, a move that could complicate supplier visits and attendance at North American trade shows. Higher travel friction may slow on‑site audits and face‑to‑face sourcing. (businesstoday.in) (natlawreview.com)
The State Department said the visa‑bond list will apply to a total of 50 countries and that the expansion takes effect on April 2, 2026, with the press statement framing the requirement as a $15,000 bond for affected applicants. (state.gov)) Twelve countries—Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia—were added in this March 18 action to join the 38 nations already on the list. (state.gov)) Under the pilot, consular officers may require bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 and visas issued to bonded applicants are limited to single entry, a maximum three‑month validity, and a 30‑day authorized stay in the United States. (fragomen.com)) Applicants must file Department of Homeland Security Form I‑352 and post bonds via the Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov only after a consular officer directs payment, and bonded travelers are required to use designated ports of entry when entering and exiting the U.S. (travel.state.gov)) The visa‑bond pilot was established by a temporary final rule effective August 20, 2025, and the rule is scheduled to run through August 5, 2026, under the Federal Register notice that created the program. (federalregister.gov)) The State Department reported that nearly 1,000 visas have been issued under the program so far, that 97% of bonded travelers returned on time, and that the agency estimates the program can save up to $800 million annually versus removal costs averaging about $18,000 per case. (state.gov)) India is not listed among the 50 countries on the Department of State’s “Countries Subject to Visa Bonds” page or in the agency’s March 18 announcement. (travel.state.gov))
