The Donald Trump administration is further tightening U.S. immigration controls with a controversial new visa rule affecting travellers from 50 countries. Starting April 2, 2026, citizens seeking B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas from these countries will be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as part of their application. Applicants from eligible nations must pay this bond as a financial guarantee that they will comply with U.S. visa terms and not overstay their authorized stay. The amount may be determined by a consular officer during the interview. The bond is refundable if the applicant adheres to visa conditions and departs the U.S. on time, or if the visa is denied. Officials have indicated that the rule has helped reduce visa overstays.
Twelve new countries have now been added to the list, bringing the total to 50. The recently included nations are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. These join the existing 38 countries already covered under the programme, which include Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Cuba, Venezuela, Uganda, Tanzania, and others. India is not on the list of affected countries.
This visa bond requirement is part of a wider suite of immigration measures introduced since Trump returned to office, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and encouraging compliance. Other steps have included stepped-up deportations, tightened vetting of applicants’ social media and backgrounds, revocations of visas and green cards, and a separate travel ban on citizens of 19 countries on national security grounds.
Human rights groups have sharply criticised the policy, saying such high bond requirements undermine due process and could discriminate against travellers from lower-income countries. Critics argue the rule may make legitimate travel prohibitively expensive for many. The Trump administration and its supporters, however, insist the measures are necessary to strengthen national security and ensure visa compliance. While intended to deter visa overstays and enhance immigration control, the expanded visa bond rule has sparked debate and could significantly impact travel from the 50 covered countries.
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