{"id":23529,"date":"2026-08-04T11:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T06:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=23529"},"modified":"2026-08-04T11:53:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T06:23:14","slug":"us-visa-bond-rule-2026-for-indian-travelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/us-visa-bond-rule-2026-for-indian-travelers\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Indians Need to Pay a $20,000 Bond for a US Tourist Visa? New Rule Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Source: ChatGPT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indians travel to the United States for holidays, business meetings, family visits and many other reasons. The US made its Visa Bond Program permanent on August 3, 2026, raising concerns among many Indian travelers. Some are now wondering whether they must deposit up to $20,000 to receive a US tourist visa. Here is what Indian travelers need to know about the new rule.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the US Visa Bond Program?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The US Visa Bond Program requires certain B-1 and B-2 visa applicants from designated countries to deposit a refundable amount before the visa is issued, unless the bond requirement is waived. A consular officer selects the amount after reviewing the applicant\u2019s circumstances. The officer is generally expected to set the bond at $15,000 but may select $10,000 or $20,000 based on the applicant\u2019s circumstances. The US introduced the program to encourage visitors to follow their visa conditions and leave the country before their authorized stay ends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is the Visa Bond a New US Visa Fee?<\/b><\/h3>\n

No. The visa bond is not a new visa application fee. It works more like a refundable security deposit. Applicants covered by the program must still pay the regular US nonimmigrant visa application fee. The visa bond is an additional amount that the government holds temporarily. A traveler who follows the visa rules and leaves the United States on time can receive the bond amount back after the authorities verify compliance. However, the government may keep the bond if the traveler overstays or seriously violates the conditions attached to the visa and bond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do Indians Have to Pay a US Visa Bond?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Indian travelers do not currently have to pay the visa bond. The US Department of State has published a list of 50 countries whose nationals are subject to the program. India does not appear on that list. Therefore, an Indian citizen traveling on an Indian passport can continue to apply through the regular B-1\/B-2 visa process. Indian applicants still need to:<\/span><\/p>\n