U.S. Expands $5,000–$15,000 Visa-Bond Pilot to 25 More Countries
CBP to End Paper Refund Cheques and Move to 100 % Electronic Duty Refunds
Avelo Airlines Drops ICE Deportation Charters Amid Network Restructuring
Latest News
U.S. expands controversial visa-bond program to 25 more countries, effective Jan 21
The State Department has added 25 nations—including Venezuela, Cuba and Nigeria—to its visa-bond pilot, requiring many B-1/B-2 applicants to post US$5k–15k bonds starting 21 January 2026. The change raises costs and cash-flow concerns for business travellers and their employers while intensifying criticism that the program disproportionately affects lower-income countries.
State Department shuts National Passport Center for one day, delaying urgent issuances
The National Passport Center in New Hampshire closed abruptly on 7 January, forcing urgent passport applicants to reschedule and potentially delaying international travel. Companies should verify employee passport validity well in advance and monitor for expedite-fee refund guidance once the centre reopens.