ATTENTION travellers: US imposes visa bond rule on 6 countries to curb…, is India in the list?

US Visa Bond: In a major development, the United States has expanded its visa bond pilot programme and updated the list of countries whose citizens shall need a visa bond before entering the country. The US Department of State has updated its list and removed Mali from the up to USD 15,000 bond list. Now, the list has a total of six countries whose citizens have shown high overstay rates under the B1/B2 visitor visa category.

What Is The Visa Bond Rule?

As per the visa bond rule under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR), the revised policy started for Malawi and Zambia on August 20 this year, for Gambia on October 11, and for Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe and Tanzania on October 23, 2025.

Visa Bond Amounts And Conditions

Travellers from the six countries, who are eligible, cleared for B1/B2 visa now have to post a bond of USD5,000, USD10,000 or USD15,000 before travelling to the US, depending on their case. Notably, the bond amount is determined during visa interview and citizens should submit it usingthe  Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 via – Pay.gov portal.

As per officials, the bond is not a guaranteed visa issuance. People must make payments only after the notification by a consular officer. Travelers should note that any payment made independently will not be refunded.

WHAT IS A US visa bond?

A US visa bond is a refundable financial guarantee that certain travellers must deposit before receiving a visa.

This bond is a refundable financial guarantee that travellers from some countries have to deposit before receiving their visa.

It makes sure the visa holder leaves the United States on time and follows immigration rules. If a traveller overstays and don’t leave or change his/her visa status the bond is lost.

Designated ports of entry

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Travellers will geta  full refund if they adhere to all the visa rules, including departing before their authorised stay expires and not entering the US after the visa’s validity.