Summary
The United States requires visa applicants from 12 additional countries to post a bond up to $15,000 for entry. This policy, under President Donald Trump, aims to reduce visa overstays. The bond applies to business and tourist visas and is refunded if visa conditions are met.
Key Facts
- The U.S. added 12 countries to a list requiring visa bonds up to $15,000.
- The policy starts on April 2 and applies to B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas.
- The bond amounts are $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, decided at the visa interview.
- If visa conditions are met, the bond is refunded; it does not guarantee visa approval.
- The list now includes 50 countries, mostly non-Western and African nations.
- The Department of State claims the bond reduces visa overstays effectively.
- The initiative forms part of President Trump’s broader immigration restrictions.
- Trump also suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries and has tightened other immigration policies.
