WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department announced that it will expand its list of countries whose citizens must post bonds—ranging from $5,000 to $15,000—to apply for U.S. visas, effective April 2. The new list includes passport holders from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
This policy, which aims to reduce visa overstays, was initially introduced by the previous administration last year and will cover a total of 50 countries after the April deadline. Visa applicants from these nations will need to pay a bond amount based on their unique circumstances and the discretion of the consular officer processing their application.
According to the State Department, the visa bond program is yielding positive results, contributing to a significant decline in overstays among visa holders—nearly 97% of those who have posted bonds have complied with their visa terms. For further details on the countries affected, visit the State Department website.
This policy, which aims to reduce visa overstays, was initially introduced by the previous administration last year and will cover a total of 50 countries after the April deadline. Visa applicants from these nations will need to pay a bond amount based on their unique circumstances and the discretion of the consular officer processing their application.
According to the State Department, the visa bond program is yielding positive results, contributing to a significant decline in overstays among visa holders—nearly 97% of those who have posted bonds have complied with their visa terms. For further details on the countries affected, visit the State Department website.
