Travelling to US? People from 38 countries, including Nepal and Bangladesh, will need visa bonds

THE United States has added several new countries to the list of those subject to visa bonds, nearly tripling the number of nations whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for entry into the country.

Just a week back, Washington added seven countries to the list of nations required to post visa bonds, bringing the total to 13. On top of that, the State Department added 25 more to the list on Tuesday, according to a notice on the travel.state.gov website.

The move by the Trump administration will make the process of obtaining a US visa unaffordable for many people. Out of the 38 affected countries, most are in Africa, while some are in Latin America and Asia.

The Department of State has identified that nationals from these countries would require visa bonds. The implementation dates for each country are stated below:

    Algeria - 21 January 2026
    Angola - 21 January 2026
    Antigua and Barbuda - 21 January 2026
    Bangladesh - 21 January 2026
    Benin - 21 January 2026
    Bhutan - 1 January 2026
    Botswana - 1 January 2026
    Burundi - 21 January 2026
    Cabo Verde - 21 January 2026
    Central African Republic -1 January 2026
    Cote D’Ivorie - 21 January 2026
    Cuba - 21 January 2026
    Djibouti - 21 January 2026
    Dominica - 21 January 2026
    Fiji - 21 January 2026
    Gabon - 21 January 2026
    The Gambia - 11 October 2025
    Guinea - 1 January 2026
    Guinea Bissau - 1 January 2026
    Kyrgyzstan - 21 January 2026
    Malawi - 20 August 2025
    Mauritania - 23 October 2025
    Namibia - 1 January 2026
    Nigeria - 21 January 2026
    Nepal - 21 January 2026
    Sao Tome and Principe (23 October 2025)
    Senegal (21 January 2026)'
    Tajikistan (21 January 2026)
    Tanzania (23 October 2025)
    Togo (21 January 2026)
    Tonga (21 January 2026)
    Turkmenistan (1 January 2026)
    Tuvalu (21 January 2026)
    Uganda (21 January 2026)
    Vanuatu (21 January 2026)
    Venezuela - 21 January 2026
    Zambia (20 August 2025)
    Zimbabwe (21 January 2026)

What are visa bonds?

A US visa bond is basically a security deposit or guarantee that some visa applicants have to pay to the US government before they are allowed to enter the country.

A bond may cost $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. It is compulsory for citizens or nationals travelling on a passport from one of the listed countries, provided they are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa.

The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview. Applicants must also agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform Pay.gov.

The authorities also advise applicants not to use any third-party website for posting the bond.

Trump administration tightens regulations to enter US

The Trump administration is making these efforts to tighten US entry requirements. This includes requiring all visa applicants to attend in-person interviews and disclose extensive information, including years of social media history and detailed accounts of their own and their families’ past travel and living arrangements.

US officials have defended the bonds, which come at a hefty price, maintaining that they are effective in ensuring that citizens of targeted countries do not overstay their visas, AP reported.

However, visa applicants need to note that payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. However, in case the visa is denied or when a visa holder demonstrates they have complied with the terms of the visa, the submitted amount will be refunded.