In January 2026, the United States significantly expanded its visa bond pilot program, marking another major shift in the administration's broader immigration enforcement and national security strategy. The policy change affects tourists and business travelers from dozens of countries and operates alongside recently expanded travel restrictions announced by the White House in December 2025.
At Saluja Law, we are closely monitoring these developments and advising clients on how they may affect international travel, business planning, and compliance with U.S. immigration law.
Overview of the Visa Bond Expansion
The visa bond pilot program was first introduced in August 2025 and initially applied to nationals of 13 countries. Under the program, certain visitors are required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of entry to the United States.
Effective January 21, 2026, the program will expand to cover nationals of 38 countries. The policy applies exclusively to B-1 and B-2 visas, which are issued for temporary business and tourism purposes.
Key points include:
- Bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined by a consular officer based on the applicant's circumstances
- Bonds generally set at $10,000 in most cases, unless waived
- Payment made through the U.S. Treasury's Pay.gov system after visa issuance
- Pilot program duration of 12 months, with the possibility of further expansion or modification
Student visas and most other nonimmigrant visa categories are not currently subject to the bond requirement.
Countries Subject to the Visa Bond Requirement
As of January 21, 2026, visa bonds apply to nationals of the following countries when applying for B-1 or B-2 visas:
Currently covered countries (original list):
Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Turkmenistan, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Zambia
Countries newly added in January 2026:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zimbabwe
Notably, many of these countries also appear on the administration's expanded list of nations subject to partial travel restrictions.
Entry Restrictions and Approved Airports
Travelers subject to the visa bond requirement must enter the United States through one of three designated airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to comply with entry procedures or visa conditions can result in forfeiture of the bond.
Bond Refunds and Compliance
The visa bond is refundable if the traveler:
- Departs the United States before the authorized stay expires
- Is denied a visa after posting the bond
- Does not travel to the United States before the visa expires
However, travelers who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visa will forfeit the bond. This enforcement mechanism is explicitly tied to overstay data cited by the Department of Homeland Security, which reported more than 500,000 visa overstays in 2023.
Relationship to Expanded Travel Restrictions
The visa bond expansion coincides with a December 16, 2025 Presidential Proclamation that broadened both full and partial entry restrictions for nationals of numerous countries. The administration cited high overstay rates, inadequate civil documentation systems, lack of information sharing, corruption, terrorist activity, and refusal to repatriate nationals as justification for these measures.
Importantly, the Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories such as diplomats and athletes, and individuals granted case-by-case waivers based on U.S. national interests.
Practical Implications
For travelers, the new policy introduces a significant financial and logistical barrier to short-term travel to the United States. For U.S. businesses, it may affect the ability to host foreign partners, consultants, or prospective investors on short notice.
These developments underscore a broader policy trend toward heightened scrutiny, conditional entry, and enforcement mechanisms tied directly to compliance history and country-specific risk assessments.
How Saluja Law Can Help
Saluja Law advises individuals, families, and businesses navigating complex U.S. immigration rules in an evolving enforcement environment. If you or your organization may be affected by the visa bond program or related travel restrictions, we can help assess eligibility, risks, and available strategies, including waiver considerations and alternative visa options.
For guidance tailored to your specific situation, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation.