US Expands Visa Bond Program to 50 Nations
Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Mar 18, 2026 · Last updated Mar 20, 2026
The expanded visa bond program by the United States is expected to negatively impact tourism and business travel from the 50 affected nations, potentially reducing visitor numbers and associated economic activity. While aiming to curb visa overstays, the policy could also deter legitimate travelers due to the significant financial requirement.
The Donald Trump administration, through the United States===United States Department of State, has expanded its visa bond program, requiring citizens from 50 countries to post bonds of up to $15,000 for B1/B2 business and tourism visas. This policy, effective April 2, adds 12 new nations, including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia (country), Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia, to a list that already comprised 38 other countries, predominantly in Africa. The stated aim is to prevent visitors from overstaying their visas. Bonds will be returned to those who comply with visa terms or do not travel. This move is consistent with Donald Trump's broader hard-line immigration policies, which have faced criticism from human rights groups but are defended by the administration as necessary for domestic security.
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