The United States has formally identified 50 countries whose nationals must post visa bonds of up to $20,000 to qualify for B1/B2 business and tourist visas, with India notably excluded from the requirement. Among the South Asian nations covered are Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, according to an updated list published by the US State Department on 3 October 2026.

How the Visa Bond Programme Works

Under the programme, an applicant travelling on a passport issued by one of the listed countries must post a bond of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. The exact amount is determined by a consular officer during the visa interview. The requirement operates under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorises a consular officer to demand a bond before issuing a visa.

The current programme was established under a final rule that took effect on 3 August 2026. Countries are selected based on B1/B2 visa overstay rates contained in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report — meaning the higher a nationality's rate of overstaying temporary visas, the more likely its nationals are to face this requirement.

South Asian Countries on the List

Bangladesh and Nepal have been subject to the bond requirement since 21 January, while Bhutan has been covered since 1 January, according to the State Department list. The broader list spans several countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific. Indian passport holders are explicitly exempt, a significant distinction given India's status as one of the largest sources of US visa applicants.

Application Process and Payment Rules

Applicants subject to the bond must submit DHS Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms through Pay.gov, the Treasury Department's online payment platform. The State Department has cautioned applicants against making payments before receiving instructions from a consular officer: 'Applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so,' the department said.

A bond can be posted by the visa applicant or a third party — including a friend, relative, or business associate. The person who posts the money receives a refund if the bond conditions are met. Critically, the State Department stressed that payment of a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Travel Restrictions Under the Bond

Travellers who have posted a visa bond face additional restrictions on entry and exit. They must use commercial airports, including Customs and Border Protection preclearance locations, and are barred from using charter aircraft, general aviation, land crossings, or seaports. Possible violations are referred to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether the bond has been breached.

Broader Context and What It Means

The visa bond initiative is the Trump-era administration's sharpest tool yet to curb visa overstays — a longstanding compliance gap in US immigration enforcement. Notably, this is a departure from conventional visa denial: applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa are still permitted to travel, but only after posting significant financial collateral. For countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, whose diaspora populations include significant numbers of temporary workers and visitors to the US, the financial barrier could meaningfully suppress visa applications. India's exclusion will be welcomed in New Delhi and by the large Indian-American community, particularly given the already lengthy wait times and scrutiny Indian applicants face.