The Trump administration is widening a visa bond program that requires some foreign travelers to pay US$15,000 before receiving permission to enter the US in an immigration crackdown. The expansion adds 12 countries to the list, raising the total number covered by the policy to 50.
The rule, amidst the U.S. visa immigration crackdown, applies to people seeking B1 and B2 visas, which are commonly used for business trips and tourism. Officials said the updated policy is scheduled to take effect on April 2.
The bond works as a financial guarantee. Travelers must pay the amount before a visa is issued, and the money is returned if they follow the terms of their stay. That includes leaving the United States before the visa period ends or deciding not to use the visa after it is granted.
Officials said the policy is aimed at reducing visa overstays, a long-running issue in immigration enforcement. A visa overstay happens when a visitor remains in the country after the approved period has expired. U.S. authorities have argued that financial requirements such as visa bonds can encourage compliance and lower the number of people who fail to depart on time.
More countries added to the program
The latest expansion includes Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. The program had already covered 38 countries, most of them in Africa.
The State Department is keeping America's borders secure and preventing visa overstays.
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 18, 2026
Nationals from 50 countries will soon be required to provide a $15,000 bond for business and tourist visas – returned to those who comply with their visa terms and return home on time. pic.twitter.com/SewS69b0Pb
Officials said the countries were selected because of higher overstay rates among some visa holders. A State Department official said the bond system had already shown results under the earlier version of the program and helped reduce violations tied to temporary travel visas.
The move adds another layer to the administration’s tougher immigration agenda. Since returning to the office, Trump has pursued a broader crackdown on entry and enforcement measures involving foreign nationals.
Part of a wider immigration push
The administration has stepped up deportations, canceled visas and green cards in some cases, and increased reviews of visa applicants. Officials have also expanded screening measures, including checks of social media activity and public statements.
Last June, Trump introduced a travel ban that fully or partly restricted entry from 19 countries, citing national security concerns. The broader strategy has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
Human rights groups say such measures create financial obstacles for travelers and raise concerns about fairness, due process and free expression. Trump and his allies have defended the rules, saying they strengthen border security and help enforce immigration laws.
With the expanded bond program set to begin on April 2, the administration is moving ahead with another policy designed to tighten oversight of temporary visitors to the United States.