Countries Subject to U.S. Visa Bonds
On September 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of State updated its list of countries whose nationals may be required to post visa bonds when applying for B-1/B-2 (visitor) visas (here).
The U.S. Department of State has updated its Visa Bond Pilot Program, requiring certain nationals to post refundable bonds when applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. The bonds, set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, are intended to discourage overstays and are only collected if directed by a consular officer.
Who Is Affected?
As of now, the program applies to:
- The Gambia (effective Oct. 11, 2025)
- Malawi (effective Aug. 20, 2025)
- Zambia (effective Aug. 20, 2025)
These countries were selected due to high overstay rates in the DHS FY 2024 Overstay Report (here).
Key Rules
- Payment: Bonds are paid only when instructed, through Pay.gov.
- Ports of Entry: Travelers must enter and exit via Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), or Washington, D.C. (IAD).
- Refunds: Bonds are returned if the traveler leaves on time, never travels, or is denied entry.
- Breaches: Bonds may be forfeited if the visa holder overstays, violates terms, or applies to adjust out of nonimmigrant status (i.e., a marriage-based adjustment of status application or claiming asylum).
Bottom Line
If you are from one of the listed countries and applying for a U.S. visitor visa, be prepared for this added requirement. Following all rules ensures your bond will be refunded in full.
Disclaimer: This blog article is provided by Lally Immigration Services, LLC for informational and marketing purposes. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. No reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information presented in this article, or elsewhere on this website, without seeking the advice of appropriate legal counsel, or other professional counsel, licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Lally Immigration Services, LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect to any actions taken, or not taken, based on any content of this article or website. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 09/30/2025
