The US Visa Bond Pilot Program Now Applies to These 38 Countries

Condé Nast Traveler

by Jessica Puckett

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program has expanded to include 38 countries, requiring citizens from these nations to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to obtain B1 or B2 visas for travel to the United States. This initiative, introduced by the Trump administration in August 2025 and set to run until at least August 2026, mandates that applicants pay these bonds as a condition of receiving their visas. The program allows the State Department to add or remove countries from the list on an ongoing basis, with 25 new nations added on January 21, 2026, doubling the initial participant count. The bond amounts are determined by consular officers based on individual circumstances, typically ranging between $5,000 and $15,000. Refunds are automatically issued to those who adhere to visa terms and depart before their visa expires. However, travelers who overstay or violate visa conditions risk losing their bond money. This policy is part of broader efforts to enhance immigration controls and ensure compliance with U.S. visa regulations. Affected countries include Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The program primarily impacts B1 (visitor for business) and B2 (visitor for pleasure) visas, which are usually valid for up to a year. Other visa types, such as student visas, remain unaffected. The bond requirement is part of a 12-month

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Originally published on Condé Nast Traveler on 2/24/2026