U.S. Visa Bond Requirements Guide

U.S. Visa Bond Requirements: Complete Guide for Affected Countries

The Department of State has implemented a visa bond program requiring nationals from 38 countries to post financial bonds when applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. These bonds range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are designed to address visa overstay concerns based on Department of Homeland Security data.

Understanding these requirements is essential for travelers from affected countries who wish to visit the United States for business or tourism purposes.

What Is a Visa Bond?

A visa bond is a financial guarantee required from certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants. The bond amount is determined during the visa interview and must be paid through the Department of Treasury's official Pay.gov platform. If the visa holder complies with all terms and departs the United States on time, the bond is automatically refunded.

The visa bond program is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and established through a Temporary Final Rule pilot program. Bond requirements are based on B-1/B-2 overstay rates from the Department of Homeland Security's Entry/Exit Overstay Report.

Countries Subject to Visa Bonds

The following countries are subject to visa bond requirements. Implementation dates are listed in parentheses:

Countries (January 21, 2026)

• Algeria
• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bangladesh
• Benin
• Burundi
• Cabo Verde
• Cote D'Ivoire
• Cuba
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Kyrgyzstan
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tajikistan
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Zimbabwe

Countries (January 1, 2026)

• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Central African Republic
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Namibia
• Turkmenistan

Countries (Earlier Implementation Dates)

• The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
• Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
• Sao Tome and Principe (October 23, 2025)
• Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
• Malawi (August 20, 2025)
• Zambia (August 20, 2025)

Bond Amounts and Requirements

Applicants from affected countries who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa must post a bond in one of three amounts:

• $5,000
• $10,000
• $15,000

The specific amount is determined by the consular officer during the visa interview. In addition to the bond payment, applicants must submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 (Immigration Bonds) and agree to the bond terms through the Department of Treasury's Pay.gov platform.

How to Post a Visa Bond

Applicants should only submit Form I-352 and post a bond after a consular officer directs them to do so during the visa interview. The consular officer will provide a direct link to pay through Pay.gov.

Critical warnings:

• Do not use any third-party website for posting the bond
• The U.S. Government is not responsible for money paid outside its official systems
• Paying fees without consular officer direction will result in no refund
• A bond payment does not guarantee visa issuance

Required Ports of Entry

Visa holders who posted a visa bond must enter and exit the United States only through designated ports of entry. Failure to use these designated ports may result in denied entry or improperly recorded departures. Implementation dates are in parentheses:

Airports Designated Since August 20, 2025

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) (August 20, 2025)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (August 20, 2025)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (August 20, 2025)

Airports Designated Since January 1, 2026

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Additional designated ports of entry are being added on a rolling basis. Travelers must verify current designated ports before booking travel.

Visa Bond Compliance and Refunds

The bond will be canceled and money returned automatically in these situations:

1. The Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder's departure from the United States on or before the authorized stay date
2. The visa holder does not travel to the United States before the visa expires
3. The visa holder is denied admission at the U.S. port of entry

The refund process is automatic when these conditions are met. No additional action is required from the visa holder.

Visa Bond Breach

The Department of Homeland Security will refer cases where the visa holder may have violated bond terms to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for breach determination. Breach situations include but are not limited to:

• DHS records indicate departure after the authorized stay date
• The visa holder remains in the United States after the authorized stay date without departing
• The visa holder applies to adjust out of nonimmigrant status, including claiming asylum

If USCIS determines a breach occurred, the bond amount is forfeited and the visa holder may face additional immigration consequences.

Impact on B-1/B-2 Visa Applications

The visa bond requirement adds financial and procedural complexity to B-1/B-2 visitor visa applications for affected nationals. Applicants must be prepared to:

• Pay bond amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 in addition to standard visa fees
• Complete Form I-352 as directed by consular officers
• Book travel through designated ports of entry only
• Ensure timely departure to avoid bond forfeiture
• Maintain accurate records of entry and exit dates

Legal Assistance for Visa Bond Cases

The visa bond program creates unique challenges for travelers from affected countries. Errors in compliance, documentation issues, or disputes over bond forfeiture can have serious consequences for future U.S. travel and immigration options.

Attorney Demian S. Serianni can provide guidance on visa bond requirements, assist with compliance issues, and represent clients in bond breach disputes. With more than 24 years of experience in immigration law and a background in immigration enforcement, Attorney Serianni understands both sides of the immigration system.