US expands visa bond scheme to 50 countries, sets $15,000 requirement

The US department of state has expanded its visabond programme to 50 countries, requiring certain travellers to pay a refundable $15,000 bond in a renewed effort to curb visa overstays.

The policy, set to take effect from April 2, 2026, will apply to applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas from designated countries, including Nigeria.

Officials said the bond would be refunded once travellers comply with visa conditions and return to their home countries.

According to the department, the programme has already recorded a 97 per cent compliance rate among participants, with nearly 1,000 visas issued under the scheme and most beneficiaries adhering to the rules.

The agency said, “the state department is expanding its visa bond programme to apply to a total of 50 countries on April 2 and will require foreign nationals from these countries to post a bond of $15,000 before receiving B1 or B2 visas.

“Preventing illegal visa overstays: The visa bond programme has already proven effective at drastically reducing the number of visa recipients who overstay their visas and illegally remain in the United States.”

The expansion adds 12 new countries, including Cambodia, Ethiopia and Tunisia, to the existing list of 38 nations already covered by the initiative.

Authorities said countries are selected based on immigration risk indicators.

The move follows concerns over visa violations, with more than 44,000 visitors from participating countries reported to have overstayed during the final year of former President Joe Biden’s administration.

Officials also highlighted the financial benefits of the policy, noting that enforcing removals costs over $18,000 per individual.

“The department of state is saving US taxpayers up to $800 million per year that would otherwise be required to remove these aliens who overstay,” the statement added.