WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department is expanding its visa bond requirement, adding 12 new countries to the existing list, which will take effect on April 2. Passport holders from countries such as Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Georgia will now be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 as part of their visa application process. The bonds are designed to discourage visa overstays and ensure adherence to visa terms, with refunds issued if the application is denied or conditions are met. The decision aims to address the issues of high overstay rates in these nations. Currently, the program impacts visa applicants from a total of 50 countries, focusing primarily on nations identified with significant overstay concerns, particularly in Africa. The State Department noted that the program has successfully reduced the incidence of overstays, with nearly 97% of bond postings resulting in compliance. More details on affected countries can be found on the State Department's official website.
U.S. Expands Visa Bond Requirement to 12 More Countries
Starting April 2, citizens from 12 nations, including Cambodia and Ethiopia, will be required to post bonds to apply for U.S. visas as part of an initiative to combat visa overstays.
The U.S. State Department has announced that, effective April 2, 12 additional countries will join a growing list of nations whose citizens must pay a bond of up to $15,000 when applying for U.S. visas. This measure aims to deter visa overstays and illegal immigration. The bonds are refundable if the visa application is denied or if the applicant complies with the terms of the visa. This initiative, which began under the Trump administration, now affects a total of 50 countries.
