U.S. Visa Bond Requirements 2026: Countries Subject to B1/B2 Visa Bonds
U.S. Visa Bond Requirements 2026: Countries Subject to B1/B2 Visa Bonds
The U.S. Department of State has introduced a Visa Bond Pilot Program requiring certain B1/B2 (tourist/business) visa applicants to post a refundable bond before traveling to the United States.
This update is part of enhanced immigration compliance measures under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR). Visa bond requirements are based on B1/B2 overstay data published in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
If you are applying for a U.S. tourist visa in 2026, it is important to check whether your country is subject to the visa bond requirement.
Countries Subject to U.S. Visa Bonds (B1/B2)
Nationals of the following countries may be required to post a visa bond (implementation dates in parentheses):
Algeria (Jan 21, 2026)
Angola (Jan 21, 2026)
Antigua and Barbuda (Jan 21, 2026)
Bangladesh (Jan 21, 2026)
Benin (Jan 21, 2026)
Bhutan (Jan 1, 2026)
Botswana (Jan 1, 2026)
Burundi (Jan 21, 2026)
Cabo Verde (Jan 21, 2026)
Central African Republic (Jan 1, 2026)
Côte d’Ivoire (Jan 21, 2026)
Cuba (Jan 21, 2026)
Djibouti (Jan 21, 2026)
Dominica (Jan 21, 2026)
Fiji (Jan 21, 2026)
Gabon (Jan 21, 2026)
The Gambia (Oct 11, 2025)
Guinea (Jan 1, 2026)
Guinea-Bissau (Jan 1, 2026)
Kyrgyz Republic (Jan 21, 2026)
Malawi (Aug 20, 2025)
Mauritania (Oct 23, 2025)
Namibia (Jan 1, 2026)
Nepal (Jan 21, 2026)
Nigeria (Jan 21, 2026)
São Tomé and Príncipe (Oct 23, 2025)
Senegal (Jan 21, 2026)
Tajikistan (Jan 21, 2026)
Tanzania (Oct 23, 2025)
Togo (Jan 21, 2026)
Tonga (Jan 21, 2026)
Turkmenistan (Jan 1, 2026)
Tuvalu (Jan 21, 2026)
Uganda (Jan 21, 2026)
Vanuatu (Jan 21, 2026)
Venezuela (Jan 21, 2026)
Zambia (Aug 20, 2025)
Zimbabwe (Jan 21, 2026)
How Much Is the U.S. Visa Bond?
If a consular officer determines that a bond is required, applicants must post one of the following amounts:
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $15,000
The bond amount is decided during the visa interview.
Applicants must:
- Submit Form I-352 (Immigration Bond)
- Pay through the official U.S. Treasury platform via Pay.gov
- Follow instructions provided directly by the consular officer
⚠️ Important:
Do NOT submit payment unless instructed by a consular officer. Payments made outside official systems are not refundable.
A visa bond does not guarantee visa approval.
Designated U.S. Ports of Entry for Bonded Visa Holders
Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the United States through designated airports only.
Approved ports include:
- Boston Logan International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Failure to use designated ports may result in denied entry or improper departure records.
✅ When Is the Visa Bond Refunded?
The visa bond is automatically canceled and refunded if:
- The traveler departs the U.S. on or before the authorized stay date
- The visa expires without travel
- The traveler is denied admission at the port of entry
❌ What Causes a Visa Bond Breach?
The Department of Homeland Security may refer cases to USCIS if bond terms are violated. Breach situations include:
- Overstaying beyond authorized stay
- Remaining in the U.S. unlawfully
- Applying to adjust status or claiming asylum while in B1/B2 status
If a breach is confirmed, the bond amount may be forfeited.
For the latest U.S. visa bond updates, always verify information through official government sources before applying.