Understanding the US Visa Bond Policy and the $871 Million Figure

The U.S. Department of State has introduced a visa bond policy that affects nationals from 34 countries applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. This policy allows consular officers to require a bond payment, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, during the visa interview. While a figure of $871 million has been widely discussed in relation to this program, it’s important to understand that this number represents a hypothetical maximum potential cost, not the actual amount of money collected by the government. The policy is a pilot program, and its mechanics, coverage dates, and financial implications require careful examination.

How the US Visa Bond Policy Works

Under the current pilot program, a consular officer has the discretion to request a visa bond from applicants seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas. This requirement is not applied to all applicants from the listed countries but only to those who are otherwise found eligible for the visa, and for whom the officer deems a bond necessary. The bond amounts can be set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 per person. Applicants directed to post a bond must complete DHS Form I-352 and submit payment through Pay.gov. It is crucial to note that posting a bond does not guarantee that the visa will be issued.

Countries and Rollout Dates

The visa bond policy has been implemented in phases, affecting different countries at various times. As of May 23, 2026, the policy covers nationals from 34 countries. The rollout began with The Gambia on October 11, 2025. Subsequently, six countries were added on January 1, 2026: Bhutan, Botswana, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, and Zambia. A larger group of 25 countries joined on January 21, 2026, including 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, and Zimbabwe. Most recently, Cambodia and Georgia were added on April 2, 2026. This phased approach means that the duration of coverage varies by country.

The $871 Million Figure Explained

The widely cited $871 million figure is a hypothetical calculation based on maximum assumptions. This amount is derived by multiplying the highest possible bond amount ($15,000) by a large number of potential applicants (58,000). This calculation illustrates an upper boundary of potential financial exposure for the program, not the actual funds collected. The actual amount collected depends on several factors, including the number of applicants from covered countries, how many are selected for a bond, the specific bond amount set by the consular officer, and whether travelers comply with their visa terms, which determines if the bond is refunded.

Practical Steps for Applicants

For individuals from the affected countries who are applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, understanding the process is key. The requirement for a visa bond is determined during the visa interview by a consular officer. If a bond is required, the applicant will be instructed to complete DHS Form I-352 and make the payment via Pay.gov. It is essential for applicants to remember that this bond is a condition of the visa case and not a guarantee of approval. The ultimate issuance of the visa still depends on meeting all other eligibility requirements.

Bond Refunds and Program Limitations

The visa bond functions more like a security deposit than a fee. Whether the bond is refunded depends on the applicant’s compliance with their visa terms, particularly departing the United States on time. The policy does not impose a blanket requirement on all travelers from the listed nations. Instead, it grants consular officers the authority to require a bond on a case-by-case basis when they believe it is necessary. This discretionary aspect means the program’s real financial impact is far less than the headline $871 million figure suggests, as it depends on individual circumstances and officer decisions.