On December 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has expanded the list of countries whose nationals may be required to post a visa bond as a condition of issuance of a B-1/B-2 (visitor) visa under the Visa Bond Pilot Program. Several additional countries are now subject to this requirement effective January 1, 2026, pursuant to INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR) establishing the pilot program.
This program applies to otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicants who are citizens or nationals traveling on passports issued by designated countries with elevated overstay rates, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
Countries Subject to Visa Bonds
| Country | Visa Bond Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Bhutan | January 1, 2026 |
| Botswana | January 1, 2026 |
| Central African Republic | January 1, 2026 |
| Guinea | January 1, 2026 |
| Guinea-Bissau | January 1, 2026 |
| Namibia | January 1, 2026 |
| Turkmenistan | January 1, 2026 |
| Mauritania | October 23, 2025 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | October 23, 2025 |
| Tanzania | October 23, 2025 |
| The Gambia | October 11, 2025 |
| Malawi | August 20, 2025 |
| Zambia | August 20, 2025 |
Key Features of the Visa Bond Requirement
Bond Amount
Applicants may be required to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, as determined by the consular officer at the visa interview. It is important to note that posting a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
Form I-352 and Payment Process
- Applicants must submit DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond)
- The bond must be paid only after a consular officer specifically instructs the applicant to do so
- Payment is made exclusively through Pay.gov, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s official payment platform
- Applicants will receive a direct Pay.gov link from the U.S. Government
- Third-party websites must not be used
Any payment made without consular authorization or outside official government systems is non-refundable, and the U.S. Government assumes no responsibility for such payments.
Designated Ports of Entry (Mandatory)
As a condition of the visa bond, travelers who post a bond must enter and depart the United States only through the following ports of entry:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to comply may result in:
- Denied entry, or
- A departure that is not properly recorded, which may jeopardize bond compliance and future immigration benefits.
Visa Bond Compliance and Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security will refer cases to USCIS to determine whether a visa bond has been breached. Situations that may trigger a breach determination include, but are not limited to:
- Departure after the authorized period of stay
- Remaining in the U.S. beyond authorized stay without departing
- Applying to adjust status, including seeking asylum, after entry
A bond breach can result in forfeiture of the bond amount and may have serious consequences for future U.S. visa eligibility.
Conclusion
This expansion underscores increased scrutiny of temporary visitor compliance and reinforces the importance of strict adherence to visa conditions, entry/exit requirements, and authorized stay periods. Nationals of affected countries should prepare carefully for visa interviews and seek legal guidance to understand the risks, obligations, and compliance requirements associated with visa bonds.
The official Department of State guidance is available here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.