The United States has made permanent a visa bond program requiring applicants from 50 countries, including 30 African nations, to post security deposits of up to 20,000 U.S. dollars when applying for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. The policy, effective August 3, 2026, expands a pilot program introduced in August 2025.

Under the program, consular officers may require a bond as a condition for issuing a visa, with the deposit forfeited if the traveler violates the terms of their stay after entering the United States. During the pilot phase, bonds ranged from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars.

Officials from the U.S. Department of State said the program aims to reduce visa overstays, citing pilot phase results that demonstrated the bond requirement encouraged compliance with U.S. immigration rules. However, some critics warn the measure could deter legitimate travelers.

This permanent visa bond scheme marks a significant shift in U.S. visa policy affecting numerous countries across Africa and beyond.

Sources