TL;DR
The U.S. government has expanded a policy requiring certain foreign visitors to post reimbursable bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for visitor visas. The measure now covers travelers from 13 countries—mostly in Africa—and exempts nations in the visa waiver program.
What happened
U.S. officials announced that seven additional countries have been added to a list whose citizens must post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 when seeking a visitor visa to enter the United States. The change increases the total number of countries subject to the bond requirement to 13; the article notes that most of those countries are in Africa. The policy is presented as part of a broader tightening of entry requirements under the Trump administration. The reporting also notes that travelers from countries participating in the visa waiver program are not subject to the bond requirement. Reader comments collected with the story showed a range of reactions, with some supporting the bonds as a deterrent to overstays and others criticizing the policy’s social and economic implications.
Why it matters
- Adds a significant potential upfront cost for visa applicants from the affected countries, since bonds can be as high as $15,000.
- Expands a screening and financial guarantee mechanism to more nations—bringing the total to 13—primarily in Africa.
- Exempts countries in the visa waiver program, so the requirement does not apply to travelers from those nations.
- Forms part of a broader set of entry-policy changes announced under the current administration.
Key facts
- Seven additional countries were added to the bond requirement.
- The total number of countries subject to the visitor-visa bond is now 13.
- Bonds can be up to $15,000 and are described as reimbursable.
- Most of the countries affected are in Africa.
- Travelers from visa waiver program countries are exempt from the bond requirement.
- The change is presented as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to tighten entry requirements.
- Report by Niha Masih, published January 6, 2026 in The Washington Post.
What to watch next
- Whether additional countries will be added to the bond requirement — not confirmed in the source.
- Any legal challenges or diplomatic responses from affected countries — not confirmed in the source.
- Details on how and when reimbursable bonds will be processed and returned to applicants — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Visitor visa: A nonimmigrant visa issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter a country temporarily for tourism, business, or family visits.
- Reimbursable bond: A financial deposit required as a condition of a visa application that is refundable under certain conditions, typically after the visit is completed and requirements are met.
- Visa waiver program: A program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to another country for short stays without obtaining a traditional visitor visa.
- Overstay: Remaining in a country beyond the authorized period granted by a visa or entry permit.
Reader FAQ
Which specific countries were added to the bond requirement?
Not confirmed in the source.
How much is the bond?
The bond can be up to $15,000.
Are the bonds refundable?
The policy describes the bonds as reimbursable.
Do visa waiver program countries have to pay the bond?
No. Countries in the visa waiver program are exempt according to the report.
Who announced the policy change?
The change is described as part of actions by the Trump administration.
By Niha Masih Foreign travelers from seven additional countries are now required to pay up to $15,000 for a reimbursable bond when applying for a U.S. visitor visa, as the…
Sources
- U.S. mandates more foreign travelers to pay $15,000 visa bond deposits
- Countries Subject to Visa Bonds
- US nearly triples list of countries whose citizens must post …
- US adds more nations, including Venezuela, to costly visa …
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