Travellers from certain countries applying for a US business or tourist visa may now face an additional financial requirement in the form of a visa bond. The US Department of State has now made the visa bond program a permanent rule. Under this policy, some eligible B-1/B-2 visa applicants may need to provide a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before their visa is granted.

What Is the US Visa Bond Program?

The US visa bond rule applies to some B-1/B-2 applicants from countries selected by the Department of State. Even if a person qualifies for the visa, a consular officer may still ask them to pay a bond before the visa is issued. The program aims to encourage travellers to maintain their nonimmigrant status and leave the United States as required. The final rule makes the program permanent after an earlier pilot program. It allows consular officers to require a bond of up to $20,000 from covered applicants.

How Much Could You Pay for a US Visa Bond?

The visa bond can be set at:

• $10,000
• $15,000
• $20,000

A consular officer sets the bond amount after reviewing the applicant’s situation. The bond is separate from the normal US visa application fee. Paying the bond does not mean the visa will automatically be approved. The applicant must first qualify for the B-1/B-2 visa. For applicants covered by the rule, the bond is an extra step that must be completed before the visa can be issued.

Which Countries Are Covered by the Visa Bond Rule?

The State Department’s latest list includes 50 countries. The current visa bond list covers countries such as Bangladesh, Nigeria, Bhutan, Mauritius, Nepal, Ethiopia, Fiji and Venezuela. The State Department does not currently include India on the list. As a result, Indian citizens applying for a regular B-1/B-2 business or tourist visa do not need to pay this country-based visa bond at present. However, the State Department can update the list, so travellers should check the latest official guidance before applying.

Why Does the US Require Visa Bonds?

The State Department considers several factors when deciding which countries are subject to the visa bond program. These can include visa overstay rates, screening and vetting concerns, identity verification, information sharing, criminal records, and the security of travel and civil documents. The earlier pilot program covered countries identified based on factors including visa overstay rates, screening and vetting, identity verification, and information-sharing concerns. The goal is to encourage travellers to follow the terms of their visas and leave the United States within the authorized period.

Is the Visa Bond Refundable?

Yes. The US visa bond may be returned when the applicable conditions for cancellation are met. In general, the traveller must comply with the terms of the bond, including departing the United States within the authorized period and through a designated commercial air port of entry or CBP preclearance location. The bond is meant to encourage compliance, not act as an additional visa fee. Travellers should keep all documents related to the bond, payment and visa for their records. 

When Can a Traveller Lose a Bond?

A traveller may forfeit the bond if they breach its conditions. One of the specified circumstances for a bond breach is remaining in the United States after the date the traveller is authorized to stay. Travellers should remember that the visa expiration date and the permitted length of stay in the United States are different concepts. US border authorities decide how long a traveller may remain when the person enters the country. Following the permitted period of stay is therefore important for anyone travelling under a visa bond, along with complying with the other bond conditions. 

Does Paying a Visa Bond Guarantee Approval?

No. Posting a $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 bond does not guarantee that someone will receive a US visa. A consular officer must first determine that the applicant qualifies for the B-1/B-2 visa. The visa bond is an extra condition for some B-1/B-2 applicants from countries covered by the rule. It does not replace the normal visa interview, background checks or other eligibility requirements.

What Does the Rule Mean for Indian Travellers?

For Indian travellers, the rule has little immediate impact. As of October 2, 2026, the State Department does not include India on its current visa bond list. Indian nationals applying for a B-1/B-2 visa therefore do not currently need to post this country-based visa bond. Still, travellers should not assume that the list will always remain the same.

The list can change over time, so applicants should check the latest country-specific rules before applying. Anyone planning US travel should check the latest official rules before applying for a visa or making non-refundable travel arrangements.

What Should Travellers Do Before Applying?

Travellers can make the visa process easier by checking the latest requirements before starting their application. First, confirm whether your nationality appears on the current US visa bond country list. Do not send money or pay anyone before your visa interview. Only post the bond if a consular officer instructs you to pay it through the official U.S. government payment system. If a consular officer requires a bond, follow only the official instructions provided by the consular officer and use the official Pay.gov payment process. 

Applicants should also keep copies of their visa documents, bond records and payment confirmations. Most importantly, travellers should know how long U.S. authorities permit them to stay and make sure they leave before that period ends.

The permanent US visa bond rule creates an extra step for certain B-1/B-2 business and tourist visa applicants from selected countries. Depending on the case, covered applicants may need to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance. At present, the program covers nationals of 50 countries, but it does not include Indian applicants.

For travellers, the most important step is to check the latest US visa rules before applying. Applicants should never pay a visa bond in advance unless a US consular officer specifically requires it and provides official instructions.

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