The U.S. State Department quietly broadened its controversial visa-bond pilot on 5 January 2026, adding Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan to the list of countries whose nationals must post refundable bonds of US $5,000–15,000 when applying for visitor visas. The requirement—first rolled out in 2025—aims to deter overstays by creating a financial incentive for timely departure. Officials say the measure targets countries with historically high over-stay rates, but critics argue it effectively prices out legitimate travelers and penalises entire populations for the actions of a few.
For U.S. companies that routinely invite clients or prospective partners from the newly listed states, the bonds could complicate meeting schedules and add significant upfront costs. Corporate mobility teams will need to build the extra outlay into budgeting and consider alternative meeting locations if invitees cannot tie up thousands of dollars for months. Travel managers should also prepare for longer appointment times, as consular officers must process bond paperwork in addition to standard visa vetting.
Although the bonds are refundable once the traveler proves timely exit—or immediately if the visa is denied—some observers question how swiftly refunds will occur and whether exchange-rate fluctuations could erode the amount returned. Businesses with global footprints should brief visitors on documentary evidence (such as stamped boarding passes) they must retain to trigger repayment.
![US Expands Visa Bond Program: Seven More Countries Face up to $15,000 Deposit]()
For travelers and companies navigating these new hurdles, VisaHQ provides a streamlined route through the bond and visa process. Its U.S. portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) offers up-to-date guidance on required forms, bond payment instructions, and refund protocols, while optional concierge services can manage appointments and documentation on behalf of applicants. This support can save valuable time and reduce the administrative burden for visitors from the newly affected countries.
Immigration advocates warn the expansion could strain U.S. soft-power in Africa and Central Asia just as Washington tries to deepen commercial ties there. They also predict an increase in requests for national-interest waivers, a discretionary mechanism the proclamation leaves open but that is notoriously opaque. Companies planning high-profile product launches or training events in the United States should engage counsel early to explore a waiver strategy for essential attendees.
Looking ahead, the pilot is set to expire at the end of FY 2026 unless codified by regulation. Mobility professionals should monitor Congressional oversight hearings this spring, when lawmakers are expected to scrutinize early over-stay data to decide whether the bond model delivers the promised compliance gains.
For U.S. companies that routinely invite clients or prospective partners from the newly listed states, the bonds could complicate meeting schedules and add significant upfront costs. Corporate mobility teams will need to build the extra outlay into budgeting and consider alternative meeting locations if invitees cannot tie up thousands of dollars for months. Travel managers should also prepare for longer appointment times, as consular officers must process bond paperwork in addition to standard visa vetting.
Although the bonds are refundable once the traveler proves timely exit—or immediately if the visa is denied—some observers question how swiftly refunds will occur and whether exchange-rate fluctuations could erode the amount returned. Businesses with global footprints should brief visitors on documentary evidence (such as stamped boarding passes) they must retain to trigger repayment.
For travelers and companies navigating these new hurdles, VisaHQ provides a streamlined route through the bond and visa process. Its U.S. portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) offers up-to-date guidance on required forms, bond payment instructions, and refund protocols, while optional concierge services can manage appointments and documentation on behalf of applicants. This support can save valuable time and reduce the administrative burden for visitors from the newly affected countries.
Immigration advocates warn the expansion could strain U.S. soft-power in Africa and Central Asia just as Washington tries to deepen commercial ties there. They also predict an increase in requests for national-interest waivers, a discretionary mechanism the proclamation leaves open but that is notoriously opaque. Companies planning high-profile product launches or training events in the United States should engage counsel early to explore a waiver strategy for essential attendees.
Looking ahead, the pilot is set to expire at the end of FY 2026 unless codified by regulation. Mobility professionals should monitor Congressional oversight hearings this spring, when lawmakers are expected to scrutinize early over-stay data to decide whether the bond model delivers the promised compliance gains.
