U.S. Expands Visa Bond Program to 13 Countries

The U.S. State Department has expanded a controversial visa bond program by adding seven countries to the list of nations whose citizens must post security deposits of up to $15,000 to apply for entry into the United States, a move that took effect on January 1. The additions, announced quietly last week through a notice on the department's travel website, bring the total number of affected countries to 13, with 11 of them located in Africa.

The newly designated countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan. Citizens from these nations seeking B-1 or B-2 visitor visas must now submit a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, determined during their visa interview. Applicants are required to complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and pay the amount through the Treasury Department's online platform, Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of where the application is filed.

The bond does not guarantee visa approval, but it is refundable if the application is denied or if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay, such as departing on time. U.S. officials have stated that the program helps...