U.S. Visa Bond Program Now Includes Seven Countries; Applicants Face Bonds Up to $15,000

The U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond program, adding Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania to the list, effective October 23, 2025. The program requires citizens of these nations, as well as those of The Gambia (effective October 11, 2025), to post a bond when applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visitor visas. Malawi and Zambia were previously included, both effective since August 20, 2025.

This initiative is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR). Launched on August 20, 2025, it is set to continue until August 5, 2026, with periodic reviews to update the list of targeted countries.

The program specifically targets nations with high visa overstay rates, inadequate vetting processes, or lenient citizenship programs, as identified in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) FY 2024 Overstay Report.

Under the visa bond program, nationals of Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The exact amount is determined by a consular officer during the visa interview, based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Applicants are required to submit DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) and agree to the bond terms through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform, regardless of where they apply for the visa.

Payments must be made only after explicit instructions from a consular officer, who provides a direct Pay.gov link. The U.S. government cautions that payments made through third-party websites are at the applicant’s risk and are nonrefundable, and paying a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

Visas issued under this program are valid for three months, allow a single entry, and may be limited to a 30-day stay by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon entry.

Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the U.S. through designated ports: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Failure to use these specific ports may lead to denied entry or improper recording of departure, thus risking bond forfeiture.

The bond is refunded in full if the visa holder complies with all visa and bond terms, as outlined in Form I-352 and on Travel.State.Gov. Refunds are automatic if the visa holder departs the U.S. on or before their authorized stay expires, does not travel to the U.S. before the visa expires, or is denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.

No interest is paid on the bond, which is held in a U.S. Treasury-managed account. However, breaches—such as overstaying, remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized period, or applying to adjust status (including asylum claims)—are referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review. Confirmed breaches result in bond forfeiture.

While Nepal is not currently included in the visa bond program, its history of elevated overstay rates raises concerns. According to the FY 2024 Overstay Report, of the 34,070 Nepali B-1/B-2 visa holders expected to depart, 1,064 (3.12%) overstayed, with 892 remaining in the U.S. (a suspected in-country overstay rate of 2.62%) and 172 leaving after their authorized period.

Historical data from the Biden administration (2021–2023) shows fluctuating overstay rates: 4.19% in FY 2023 (1,036 overstays), 12.31% in FY 2022 (1,809 overstays), and 8.55% in FY 2021 (298 overstays). Pre-Biden years also reflect high rates, with 4.55% in 2020, 3.38% in 2019, 4.36% in 2018, and a peak of 5.45% in 2016.