Starting April 2, Cambodia, alongside Ethiopia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia, and others, will be subject to the U.S. Department of State’s expanded visa bond program, requiring travelers to pay between five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. This move, designed to address the growing issue of visa overstays, will have a significant impact on both individual travelers and businesses that depend on U.S. visits, adding financial complexity and delays to  travel plans. The expansion underscores the U.S. government’s effort to ensure compliance with visa terms, placing an additional burden on international travelers and corporate operations.

On March 18, the U.S. Department of State made a significant announcement regarding the expansion of its visa bond pilot program, which now affects an additional 12 countries. This expansion is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat visa overstays, a move initially reintroduced during the Trump administration. Starting April 2, nationals from these 12 newly added countries will be required to pay refundable cash bonds before their B-1/B-2 visa applications can be processed.

These bonds, which range from $5,000 to $15,000, must be paid in full via a wire transfer to a U.S. government escrow account or through a cashier’s cheque before the visa interview can take place. This initiative will significantly impact travelers from these 12 countries, as well as companies and organizations that often send employees to the United States on short-term visits.

New Countries Affected by Visa Bond Requirement
As of April 2, the following countries will be added to the list of nations subject to the expanded visa bond program:

Cambodia
Ethiopia
Georgia
Grenada
Lesotho
Mauritius
Mongolia
Mozambique
Nicaragua
Papua New Guinea
Seychelles
Tunisia
These countries join 38 others already subject to the program, bringing the total to 50 countries. Nationals from these countries, whose B-1/B-2 visa applications are processed, will now face the new requirement.

How the Visa Bond Program Works
The visa bond program requires that individuals from these countries pay a cash bond before their visa applications can be processed. The bond amounts vary, with some individuals required to pay $5,000, others $10,000, and some as much as $15,000, depending on their country of origin. This refundable bond is intended to deter visa overstays and ensure that individuals depart the United States within the allowed time frame.
The bond payment must be made prior to the visa interview, either by wire transfer to a U.S. government escrow account or via a cashier’s cheque. If the visa application is denied, the bond is refunded. However, if the visa is approved, the bond will be held until U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms that the traveler has left the United States in accordance with the terms of their visa.

The Rationale Behind the Visa Bond Program
The U.S. government reintroduced the visa bond concept in late 2025 as part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of visa overstays. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nationals from countries where more than 10% of travelers overstayed their B-1/B-2 visas in the previous fiscal year may be required to post a bond.

The program’s proponents argue that it has been successful in encouraging compliance, as nearly 97% of the 1,000 individuals who posted bonds last year left the U.S. before their authorized stay ended. This statistic is often highlighted by the government as evidence of the program’s effectiveness.

However, immigration lawyers caution that the data used to assess the program’s impact may be too limited. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which rely on quick business trips to the U.S., are likely to feel the negative effects of the expanded program. These businesses will face higher upfront costs, longer visa processing times, and potential delays in securing necessary approvals for their employees.

The Financial Impact on Companies and Travelers
The introduction of the visa bond requirement will place a financial burden on both travelers and corporations. Businesses that frequently send employees to the U.S. from these affected countries should expect higher upfront costs due to the bond payments. Additionally, the processing time for visa applications may increase, causing delays that could impact operations and scheduling.

The bond must be paid in full before the visa interview, which may tie up working capital for companies in need of quick  travel approvals. Companies with employees in the newly added countries may also face employee relations challenges, as employees may need to wait weeks to receive refunds after their bonds are processed.

In a further complication, refunds of the visa bond are not immediate. Typically, refunds are processed within six to eight weeks, during which time businesses may experience significant cash flow constraints. The ability to recover the funds after the traveler has left the U.S. may affect some companies’ ability to operate smoothly, especially SMEs that depend on rapid business travel.

How VisaHQ Helps Travelers and Companies Navigate the New Requirements
For businesses and travelers navigating the complexities of the expanded visa bond program, VisaHQ offers comprehensive services to streamline the process. These services include document pre-screening, consular appointment scheduling, and real-time tracking of application status updates. Through VisaHQ’s platform, applicants can determine if they will be required to post a bond, understand how to send funds quickly and securely, and receive guidance on the refund process.

By using VisaHQ’s services, travelers and organizations can ensure that their visa applications are processed in a timely manner, minimizing the disruption caused by the expanded visa bond program.

Preparing for the New Bond Requirements
Experts suggest that travelers and organizations take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of being required to post a bond. To do so, travelers should provide consular officers with thorough documentation that demonstrates their intent to depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay. Recommended documents include return tickets, hotel reservations, meeting agendas, and proof of onward travel. This will help demonstrate to consular officers that the traveler has no intention of overstaying their visa.

Moreover, consular officers are granted broad discretion in determining whether a bond will be required. Travelers with a strong U.S. travel history, or those with urgent schedules, may still be able to avoid the bond requirement, depending on the specifics of their case.

Starting April 2, Ethiopia, Georgia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia, and others will be subject to the U.S. visa bond program, requiring travelers to pay between five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. This move aims to curb visa overstays and will significantly impact both individual travelers and businesses relying on U.S. visits.

What’s Next for the Visa Bond Program?
The State Department has indicated that it will review the visa bond program again in September 2026, at which point it may adjust the list of affected countries or make further changes to the program. Companies with a global workforce should closely monitor the program’s impact on their operations and compliance, especially in light of the potential for further expansion or modification in the future.

As the program continues to evolve, both travelers and organizations will need to remain agile, ensuring they are in compliance with the latest regulations and prepared for the financial and logistical challenges posed by the visa bond requirement.

Published Date:2026-03-20