U.S. Department of State adds 12 countries to the B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Pilot Program

Written By Diane Rish

18 March 2026

The U.S. Department of State updated the list of countries subject to the Visa Bond Pilot Program by adding 12 more countries. This increases the total number of countries subject to the Visa Bond Pilot Program to 50, beginning April 2, 2026. For a full list of countries, please see the U.S. Department of State website here.

Citizens of the 50 countries subject to visa bonds must pay a $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 bond when applying for a B-1 / B-2 business visitor or tourist visa. The amount of the bond will be determined at the time of visa application. Payment should not be made in advance of the visa application, but only at the direction of the visa officer. Entry to the U.S. must be made through a designated port of entry which currently includes all commercial air ports of entry, including CBP preclearance locations.

The State Department indicates that the bond will be canceled and the funds returned under the following circumstances:

  • The Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder’s departure from the United States on or before the date to which they are authorized to stay in the United States, or

  • The visa holder does not travel to the United States before the expiration of the visa, or

  • The visa holder applies for and is denied admission at the U.S. port of entry.

Diane Rish
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