The US administration has made permanent a visa bond program allowing U.S. consular officers to require certain B-1/B-2 business and tourist visa applicants to post refundable bonds of up to $20,000.
The Department of State finalized the rule on August 3, 2026, replacing a pilot program launched in August 2025. The permanent program applies to nationals of countries designated by the State Department based on factors including visa overstay rates, information-sharing practices, identity verification and screening capabilities.
READ: Visa bond program could weaken US tourism economy, Travel Association warns (August 12, 2026)
The current list covers 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Fiji and Venezuela. India is not currently on the list. The State Department last updated the list on October 2, 2026, and can add countries with at least 15 days’ notice.
Under the permanent program, eligible applicants can be required to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 before their B-1/B-2 visa is issued. The amount is determined by a consular officer based on the applicant’s circumstances. The money is refundable if the traveler complies with the visa and bond conditions.
Applicants should not pay the bond before their visa interview. If a consular officer requires one, the applicant must submit DHS Form I-352 and make the payment through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov system using instructions provided by the officer.
The bond can be forfeited if the traveler substantially violates its conditions, including overstaying the authorized period or seeking asylum or certain other humanitarian protections in the United States. Bonded travelers must also generally enter and depart through commercial airports, including CBP preclearance locations.
READ: US to expand $15,000 visa bond requirement to 50 countries (March 18, 2026)
The State Department said the 2025 pilot showed that visa bonds could improve compliance among affected travelers. The permanent program raises the maximum bond from $15,000 under the pilot to $20,000.
For Indian Americans and Indian nationals planning visits to the United States, the immediate impact is limited because India is not among the countries currently subject to the bond requirement. However, the State Department retains authority to update the list.