{"id":270074,"date":"2026-03-18T12:45:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=270074"},"modified":"2026-03-18T12:51:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:51:58","slug":"us-adds-grenada-and-11-other-countries-to-visa-bond-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/us-adds-grenada-and-11-other-countries-to-visa-bond-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"US Adds Grenada and 11 Other Countries to Visa Bond Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SOURCE: Visasnews<\/strong>– The U.S. has expanded the list of nationalities that may be required to post a bond to obtain a B1\/B2 visa. <\/p>

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Twelve additional countries will be added as of April 2, bringing the total number of countries covered by this pilot program to 50, an initiative Washington is highlighting as a tool to combat visa overstays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe State Department is keeping America\u2019s borders secure and preventing visa overstays. Nationals from 50 countries will soon be required to provide a $15,000 bond for business and tourist visas \u2013 returned to those who comply with their visa terms and return home on time,\u201d<\/em> the U.S. Department of State announced today<\/a>.<\/p>

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An update released by U.S. diplomacy<\/a> on March 18 confirms the addition of 12 new countries<\/strong> to the list of nationalities subject to a visa bond requirement for certain short-term visas<\/strong>.<\/p>

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Effective April 2, 2026<\/strong>, the measure will apply to Cambodia<\/strong>, Ethiopia<\/strong>, Georgia<\/strong>, Grenada<\/strong>, Lesotho<\/strong>, Mauritius<\/strong>, Mongolia<\/strong>, Mozambique<\/strong>, Nicaragua<\/strong>, Papua New Guinea<\/strong>, Seychelles<\/strong>, and Tunisia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this expansion, the program now covers a total of 50 countries<\/strong>.<\/p>

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A case-by-case bond of up to $15,000<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In its official communication, Washington specifies that nationals of these countries, if otherwise eligible for a B1\/B2 visa<\/strong> (business or tourism), may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amount is not fixed at $15,000 and is determined during the consular interview<\/strong>.<\/p>

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The Department of State adds that applicants must submit Form I-352<\/a> from the Department of Homeland Security and accept the bond conditions via Pay.gov<\/a>, the U.S. Treasury\u2019s official platform.<\/p>

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Authorities stress an important point: no payment should be made through third-party websites, and any bond paid without prior instruction from a consular officer is non-refundable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another key clarification: posting a bond does not guarantee visa issuance<\/strong>. It is an additional requirement in certain cases, not an automatic right to obtain a visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also worth noting that this program does not apply to visa-exempt travelers. These individuals continue to travel to the United States under the ESTA electronic travel authorization system<\/a> and are not subject to any bond requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington frames the measure as a tool against overstays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Department of State explicitly links the program to B1\/B2 visa overstay rates<\/strong>, based on the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s annual Entry\/Exit Overstay Report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. authorities present this expansion as a way to reduce unlawful stays after visa expiration. According to Reuters<\/a><\/em>, a State Department official stated that the program has already contributed to a decline in overstay rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelers who post a bond will not be free to use any port of entry. The Department of State specifies that visa holders subject to a bond must enter and depart the United States exclusively through commercial airports, including CBP preclearance locations. Land and sea borders, as well as charter flights and general aviation, are excluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of entry or an improperly recorded departure, which could complicate the refund process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Department of State, the bond is automatically canceled and refunded in several situations: when the traveler departs the United States<\/a> within the authorized period, when the visa is not used before its expiration, or when the traveler is refused admission at the U.S. border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, authorities warn that a late departure, an overstay, or certain actions such as applying for a change of status, including an asylum application, may trigger a review for violation of bond conditions. Cases are then referred to USCIS for determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of the 50 countries subject to a U.S. visa bond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Effective April 2, 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n