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The United States has expanded its list of countries whose citizens must pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 to enter the country, adding seven new nations to the policy. With this update, the total number of affected countries has risen to 13.
The decision was taken by the Trump administration as part of a broader effort to tighten visa rules and control the entry of foreign nationals into the US.
Majority of Newly Added Countries Are from Africa
According to the US State Department, five of the seven newly added countries are African nations, while only two are from outside Africa. This means that most countries on the visa bond list are now African, making visa access significantly more difficult for their citizens.
The newly added countries include:
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Central African Republic
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Namibia
- Turkmenistan
The updated rule came into effect on January 1, 2026.
What Is the $15,000 Visa Bond Rule?
Under this policy, applicants from listed countries may be required to deposit a refundable bond of up to $15,000 when applying for certain US visas. The bond is intended to ensure that visa holders:
- Do not overstay their visa
- Comply with US immigration rules
- Leave the country within the permitted period
Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the bond.
Visa Rules Tightened Further Under Trump Administration
This move is part of a wider push by the administration of Donald Trump to strengthen immigration controls.
In recent months, US visa applicants have also been required to:
- Attend in-person visa interviews
- Provide detailed personal and family information
- Submit full disclosure of social media activity
These measures have made US visa applications more complex and restrictive for applicants from several regions.
Impact on Visa Applicants
For citizens of the affected countries:
- Obtaining a US visa has become more expensive and difficult
- Financial eligibility is now a critical factor
- Visa refusal risks have increased
Immigration experts warn that such policies may reduce legal travel options and increase delays in visa processing.
Key Takeaway
The expansion of the $15,000 US visa bond requirement signals a significant tightening of American visa policy. With more countries added to the list and stricter documentation rules in place, foreign nationals—especially from Africa—face higher financial and procedural barriers when applying for US visas.
January 6, 2026
