The US visa bond list has expanded sharply under the Trump administration. The United States has added Bangladesh and Venezuela, along with 23 other countries, to a policy that requires some visa applicants to post a cash bond before entering the country. The rule officially takes effect on January 21, 2026, for the latest group.
Under the updated US visa bond list, travelers from 38 countries may need to pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The exact amount is decided during the visa interview. US officials say the policy aims to reduce visa overstays and improve compliance with immigration rules.
The State Department clarified that paying the bond does not guarantee a visa approval. If a visa is denied, or if the traveler follows all visa rules and leaves on time, the bond money will be refunded. Most of the countries on the list are in Africa, with others in Latin America and Asia.
Bangladesh and Venezuela are among the newest additions. Other countries include Nigeria, Nepal, Senegal, Tanzania, Cuba, and Zimbabwe. Some nations joined the list earlier, with implementation dates ranging from August 2025 to January 2026.
As part of the visa bond rules, travelers must enter and exit the US only through three airports. These are New York’s JFK, Boston Logan, and Washington Dulles. Failure to use these ports could result in denied entry or problems recording departure.
A bond can be forfeited if a traveler overstays, fails to leave, or applies to change immigration status, including seeking asylum. The US visa bond list reflects a broader tightening of US visa policies, including stricter interviews and deeper background checks.
