Understanding the US Visa Bond Policy

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Executive Summary

The United States has significantly expanded its visa bond pilot program, now requiring travelers from 38 countries to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for tourist or business visas. What began in August 2025 as a limited pilot affecting just two African nations has evolved into one of the most substantial changes to US visa policy in recent years. While this policy has drawn international criticism for its financial burden on applicants from lower-income countries, it does not affect Singapore or Singaporean travelers, who continue to benefit from visa-free travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Bond Pilot Program: Origins and Expansion

Program Launch and Legal Framework

The visa bond pilot program was formally established through a Temporary Final Rule published on August 5, 2025, authorized under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The pilot program runs from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026, giving the US State Department one year to assess the operational feasibility of posting, processing, and discharging visa bonds.

The program represents a revival of rarely-used legal authority that allows consular officers to require bonds as a condition of visa issuance. While this authority has existed for decades, its systematic application on a country-specific basis marks a significant departure from previous practice.

Timeline of Expansion

August 20, 2025: The pilot launched with two countries—Malawi and Zambia.

October 11-23, 2025: Seven additional countries were added—The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Tanzania.

January 1, 2026: Seven more countries joined the list—Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan.

January 6, 2026: The administration announced the addition of 25 more countries, bringing the total to 38, with implementation effective January 21, 2026.

The Complete List of 38 Affected Countries

As of January 2026, nationals from the following countries are subject to the visa bond requirement:

Africa (28 countries): Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Asia (7 countries): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan.

Latin America and Caribbean (4 countries): Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Venezuela.

Pacific (2 countries): Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

The geographic distribution heavily favors African nations, which comprise nearly three-quarters of the list, raising concerns about regional targeting and equity in US immigration policy.

How the Visa Bond System Works

Eligibility and Application

The visa bond requirement applies exclusively to applicants seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas for business or tourism purposes. Other visa categories, including student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B), or immigrant visas, are not subject to this pilot program.

Consular officers determine at the time of the visa interview whether an applicant must post a bond and, if so, the amount required. Three bond levels exist: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The determination is based on individual circumstances and the consular officer’s assessment of overstay risk.

Payment Process

Applicants must pay their bonds through the US Department of the Treasury’s online platform, Pay.gov. The payment must be completed before the visa can be issued. Applicants must also submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 (Immigration Bonds).

The bond requirement is in addition to the standard non-refundable visa application fee of $185. Critically, posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval—if the visa application is denied after the bond has been paid, the bond amount is refunded, but the $185 application fee is not.

Visa Restrictions Under the Program

Visas issued under the pilot program come with significant limitations:

  • Validity period: Maximum of three months
  • Number of entries: Single entry only
  • Maximum stay: 30 days in the United States
  • Port of entry restrictions: Travelers must enter and exit through one of three designated airports:
    • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
    • John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
    • Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia (IAD)

Failure to use these designated ports of entry may result in denied entry or improper departure recording, which could lead to bond forfeiture.

Bond Refund Conditions

The bond is fully refundable under specific circumstances:

Automatic refund occurs when:

  • The Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder’s departure from the United States on or before their authorized stay expires
  • The visa holder timely and properly files for an extension of stay or change of status before their authorized period expires

Visa application denial: If a visa is refused after the bond has been posted, the bond is refunded (but not the $185 application fee)

Bond Forfeiture

The bond may be forfeited if:

  • The visa holder overstays their authorized period
  • The visa holder departs after their authorized stay has expired
  • The visa holder applies to adjust their status out of nonimmigrant classification, including asylum claims
  • The visa holder fails to comply with the terms and conditions specified in the bond agreement

Cases of potential bond breach are referred to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for investigation and determination.

Policy Justification and Criteria

Three-Pronged Selection Criteria

The State Department applies three criteria to identify countries for the visa bond program:

1. High Visa Overstay Rates: Countries with B-1/B-2 overstay rates exceeding certain thresholds, as measured by the Department of Homeland Security’s annual Entry/Exit Overstay Report.

2. Deficient Screening and Vetting: Countries where the US government assesses information-sharing, identity management, or security cooperation as inadequate.

3. Citizenship by Investment Programs: Countries offering citizenship through investment programs with no residency requirement, raising concerns about the integrity of passport issuance and potential security vulnerabilities.

Government Rationale

US officials defend the bond system as a mechanism to ensure compliance with visa terms while imposing no cost on the government when violations occur. The stated goals include:

  • Reducing visa overstay rates through financial incentives for compliance
  • Addressing national security concerns related to inadequate vetting
  • Ensuring foreign nationals who violate their visa terms bear the financial consequences rather than US taxpayers
  • Testing operational procedures for potentially broader implementation

The administration frames the policy within President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which emphasizes deterrence, enhanced screening, and reducing both legal and illegal immigration.

Economic and Practical Impact

Financial Burden

For many affected countries, the bond requirement represents an insurmountable financial barrier. In several African nations on the list, the maximum bond of $15,000 exceeds the average annual income by multiple times:

  • In Malawi, the per capita GDP is approximately $635 annually—a $15,000 bond equals nearly 24 years of average income
  • In Burundi, with per capita GDP around $270, the maximum bond represents over 55 years of average income
  • Even in relatively wealthier nations like Botswana (per capita GDP approximately $7,000), the bond remains prohibitively expensive for most citizens

The bond requirement effectively prices out the vast majority of would-be travelers from affected countries, potentially decimating tourism, family visits, and business travel to the United States.

Impact on Travel Patterns

Early data from the pilot program’s initial months suggests dramatic reductions in visa applications from affected countries. The combination of:

  • High bond amounts ($5,000-$15,000)
  • Non-refundable application fee ($185)
  • Three-month visa validity
  • Single-entry restriction
  • 30-day maximum stay
  • Limited port of entry options

…creates a travel framework that is both expensive and inflexible, discouraging all but the most essential travel.

Professional and Business Consequences

The policy has significant implications for:

Business travelers: Companies may find it cost-prohibitive to send employees from affected countries to US conferences, training programs, or business meetings

Academic exchanges: Scholars and researchers attending short-term conferences or collaborative projects face new barriers

Family reunification: Relatives visiting family members in the US must post substantial bonds for brief visits

Cultural exchange: Artists, performers, and cultural representatives from affected countries face deterrents to US engagements

International Response and Criticism

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organizations have condemned the visa bond policy, characterizing it as discriminatory and punitive. Critics argue:

  • The policy disproportionately affects African nations, suggesting racial or regional bias
  • The financial requirements effectively create a wealth test for travel rights
  • The lack of a waiver process eliminates flexibility for hardship cases
  • The policy curtails free movement and cultural exchange

Diplomatic Tensions

Some affected countries have expressed concern that the policy strains bilateral relations and undermines US soft power. The inclusion of countries like Botswana and Namibia—stable democracies with relatively strong institutions—has surprised regional observers.

The addition of Venezuela and Cuba to the list on January 6, 2026, following the controversial US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has raised questions about whether the visa bond policy is being used as a foreign policy tool beyond immigration management.

Calls for Reform

Immigration advocacy groups are calling for:

  • Evidence-based justification for country selections
  • Transparent overstay data and methodology
  • Waiver processes for demonstrated hardship cases
  • Reduction in bond amounts to more reasonable levels
  • Extension of visa validity periods for bonded visas
  • Elimination of regional concentration in policy application

Singapore’s Position: Unaffected by the Policy

Visa Waiver Program Membership

Singapore is notably NOT on the visa bond list and Singaporean travelers are NOT affected by this policy. Singapore maintains its privileged position as one of 40 countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows Singaporean citizens to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

ESTA Requirements for Singaporeans

Rather than applying for B-1/B-2 visas, Singaporeans use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an online screening system that provides:

  • Application process: Entirely online, taking approximately 10-15 minutes
  • Processing time: Most applications approved immediately; maximum 72 hours
  • Fee: $21 USD (significantly less than the $185 visa application fee plus bond)
  • Validity: Two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first
  • Multiple entries: Unlimited entries during the validity period
  • Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit

Why Singapore is Exempt

Singapore’s VWP membership reflects:

Strong bilateral security cooperation: Robust information sharing between Singapore and US security agencies

Low overstay rates: Singaporean visitors demonstrate high compliance with visa terms

Economic stability: Singapore’s high per capita income and economic development reduce overstay incentives

Reciprocal arrangements: Singapore offers favorable visa treatment to US citizens

Institutional strength: Strong rule of law, effective governance, and reliable identity management systems

Passport Requirements for Singaporeans

To travel to the US under the VWP, Singaporeans must hold:

  • A biometric passport (e-Passport) with an embedded electronic chip
  • A machine-readable passport with two lines of text at the bottom of the biographic page
  • A passport valid for the entire duration of stay

Implications for Singapore-US Relations

Singapore’s continued inclusion in the VWP while 38 countries face new bond requirements underscores the strength of Singapore-US bilateral relations. It reflects mutual trust in immigration management and security cooperation.

For Singaporean businesses, this status provides competitive advantages:

  • Easier access to US markets and conferences
  • Lower barriers for business development and partnerships
  • Enhanced people-to-people connections
  • Simplified logistics for corporate travel and training

When Singaporeans Need Traditional Visas

While most Singaporean travel is visa-free under the VWP, traditional visas are required for:

  • Employment in the United States (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
  • Full-time study (F-1 student visa)
  • Stays longer than 90 days
  • Any purpose beyond tourism or business
  • Travelers who have been denied ESTA authorization
  • Those who have traveled to certain restricted countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, etc.) after specified dates

Broader Context: US Immigration Policy Under Trump

Comprehensive Tightening

The visa bond expansion represents one element of a broader immigration enforcement strategy that includes:

Enhanced screening: All visa applicants, regardless of nationality, now face stricter vetting requirements

Social media disclosure: Applicants must provide up to five years of social media history, including usernames and platforms used

In-person interviews: Mandatory interviews for nearly all visa applicants, eliminating most interview waivers

Extended background checks: More comprehensive security screenings and processing delays

Detailed travel history: Requirements to disclose previous travel, residences, and family information in greater detail

Policy Objectives

The Trump administration frames these measures within stated objectives to:

  • Protect national security by identifying potential threats before entry
  • Reduce illegal immigration and visa overstays
  • Ensure stronger accountability for visitors
  • Shift immigration policy toward merit-based systems
  • Demonstrate sovereignty in border and immigration control

Practical Effects

Critics note that these policies have:

  • Increased processing times across all visa categories
  • Created additional burdens for legitimate travelers, students, and workers
  • Reduced US attractiveness for international tourism and business
  • Complicated family reunification and cultural exchanges
  • Generated concerns about privacy and free speech implications

Legal Challenges and Future Outlook

Potential Legal Issues

Legal experts have identified several potential challenges to the visa bond policy:

Administrative law questions: Whether the Temporary Final Rule followed proper rulemaking procedures

Equal protection concerns: Whether country-specific targeting constitutes impermissible discrimination

Due process issues: Whether the lack of waiver procedures or appeals violates fairness requirements

Congressional authority: Whether executive implementation exceeds statutory authorization

Pilot Program Expiration

The current pilot is scheduled to end on August 5, 2026. At that point, the administration must decide whether to:

  • Let the program expire
  • Extend the pilot for additional evaluation
  • Implement a permanent visa bond system based on pilot results
  • Modify the program based on lessons learned

Potential Expansion or Contraction

Depending on the pilot’s assessment, future scenarios could include:

Expansion: Adding more countries, increasing bond amounts, or applying bonds to other visa categories

Contraction: Removing countries that demonstrate improved compliance or adjusting bond amounts downward

Elimination: Discontinuing the program if operational challenges or political pressures outweigh perceived benefits

Modification: Implementing tiered systems, waiver processes, or alternative compliance mechanisms

Recommendations for Affected Travelers

For individuals from the 38 affected countries who need to travel to the United States:

Planning Considerations

Budget appropriately: Factor in the bond ($5,000-$15,000), visa application fee ($185), and travel costs

Apply early: Allow extra time for the bond payment process and potential delays

Demonstrate strong ties: Provide comprehensive evidence of employment, property ownership, family ties, and reasons to return home

Document financial capacity: Show ability to pay the bond without financial hardship

Prepare thoroughly: Understand bond terms, designated airports, and compliance requirements

Consider alternatives: Explore whether the trip can be conducted virtually or relocated to alternative countries

Seeking Legal Assistance

Given the high financial stakes and complex requirements, consulting with immigration attorneys experienced in US visa procedures may be worthwhile, particularly for:

  • Understanding individual risk assessments
  • Preparing strong visa applications
  • Navigating bond payment procedures
  • Ensuring compliance with all terms to secure bond refunds

Implications for Global Travel and Immigration

Precedent Setting

The US visa bond policy may inspire other countries to implement similar systems, potentially leading to:

  • Reciprocal bond requirements for US travelers
  • Proliferation of financial barriers to international travel
  • Fragmentation of global mobility frameworks
  • Reduced international tourism and business travel

Impact on Soft Power

The policy has implications for US global influence:

  • Perception of the US as unwelcoming to certain regions or demographics
  • Damage to people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchange
  • Weakening of educational and research collaborations
  • Potential long-term reputational costs

Economic Considerations

Reduced travel from affected countries may impact:

  • US tourism revenues from affected regions
  • International enrollment at US universities
  • Business partnerships and investment flows
  • Cultural industries relying on international participation

Conclusion

The US visa bond pilot program represents a significant shift in immigration policy, imposing substantial financial barriers on travelers from 38 predominantly African countries. While the stated objective is reducing visa overstays and enhancing security, critics argue the policy is discriminatory, economically punitive, and strategically counterproductive.

For Singapore and Singaporeans, the policy has no direct impact. Singapore’s continued participation in the Visa Waiver Program ensures easy, visa-free access to the United States for up to 90 days, with only simple ESTA authorization required. This preferential treatment reflects the strong bilateral relationship, mutual trust, and Singapore’s demonstrated compliance with international travel norms.

As the pilot program continues through August 2026, its ultimate fate will depend on operational results, political considerations, legal challenges, and international diplomatic pressure. The broader implications for global travel, US foreign relations, and immigration policy precedents will likely extend far beyond the 38 countries currently affected.

For travelers worldwide, the policy serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of international mobility, where privilege, economic status, and geopolitical considerations increasingly shape who can move freely across borders and who faces substantial barriers to international travel.

This article is based on publicly available information as of January 7, 2026. Visa policies are subject to change. Travelers should always consult official US government sources and, when appropriate, qualified immigration attorneys for the most current information and personalized guidance.