US Visa Bond Expands: 38 Nations Face $15,000 Deposit for Entry

• US expands visa bond policy to 38 countries, requiring up to $15,000 deposit for B1/B2 visitor visas.
• The bond amount, decided during the visa interview, is refundable if travellers comply with all visa conditions, including timely departure.
• Policy aims to curb visa overstays; new measures include mandatory interviews and social media disclosure.
• From Jan 21, 2026, countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Cuba, and Venezuela are added to the list.
• Affected travellers must use specific entry airports: Boston Logan, JFK New York, or Washington Dulles. Indian travellers are exempt.

Why It Matters: US visa bond expansion significantly raises costs and complexity for travellers from 38 nations.