State Department Released New Visa Bond List
The U.S. government has named 50 countries whose citizens must now post visa bonds for B1/B2 visitor travel.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Africa
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The U.S. Department of State updated its list of 50 nations whose citizens are required to post financial bonds for B1/B2 visitor visas. This program, which mandates bonds ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000, targets countries with higher visa overstay rates.
Why it matters
The bond program is authorized under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and aims to ensure timely departures. Bond amounts are specifically determined by the Department of Homeland Security based on national overstay statistics.
Applicants must post bonds ranging from KSh 1.29 million to KSh 2.59 million, or USD 10,000 to USD 20,000, with Kenya explicitly excluded. Payments are processed through the Department of the Treasury online payment platform.
The players
U.S. Department of State
This federal executive department is responsible for international relations and the administration of U.S. visa policies.
Department of Homeland Security
This cabinet department coordinates national security efforts, including the oversight of immigration policies and visa overstay tracking.
The details
Consular officers set the individual bond amount during the visa interview process, which is then managed through Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. The funds are fully refundable, provided that the traveler completes their visit and exits the United States through a designated commercial airport.
Timeline
The visa bond program was first introduced in 2025.
A Final Rule formally established the program on August 3, 2026.
The U.S. Department of State released the updated bond list on October 2, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This mandate represents a shift toward more stringent entry requirements, contrasting with historical visa protocols that lacked financial security guarantees. These regulatory changes alter the travel landscape for citizens of the 50 affected nations by introducing significant financial barriers.
Travelers from affected nations must secure the required funds in USD to satisfy bond mandates before arriving for their visa interviews. Individuals must also verify that their planned departure routes utilize only authorized commercial airports to ensure their deposit remains eligible for a refund.
The takeaway
Travelers subject to these new bond requirements should prioritize verifying their status well in advance of their visa interview. Ensuring all documentation and payment methods align with federal standards is critical to avoiding processing delays.
Further reading
For more information on regional travel requirements, visit Africa.
More information
To facilitate payments or review administrative requirements, visit the Department of the Treasury online payment platform.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news..
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