US adds more nations, including Venezuela, to costly visa bond policy

The Trump administration has expanded a State Department pilot program that requires citizens of certain countries to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 when applying for a U.S. visitor visa. An additional 25 countries were recently added, bringing the total number of affected nations to 38. Many of these countries are located in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia.

Under this policy, individuals who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the consular officer’s determination at the visa interview. The requirement applies to travelers using passports from the listed countries and will take effect on January 21.

Applicants must agree to the bond terms and submit payment through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Pay.gov system. The bond is intended to ensure compliance with visa conditions, particularly timely departure from the United States.

The State Department launched this program in August as a way to discourage visa overstays. Venezuela is among the countries included in the expansion.

This policy is part of a broader immigration enforcement approach that has included increased deportations, visa and green card revocations, and enhanced screening of applicants’ backgrounds.

While the administration argues the bond requirement improves immigration compliance and national security, immigration advocates have raised concerns about access, fairness, and due process.

How This May Affect You If you or a family member are applying for a visitor visa from a country on the bond list, advance preparation is critical. A required bond can significantly increase the cost of travel and may impact visa eligibility. Consulting an experienced immigration attorney before your visa interview can help you understand your options and avoid delays or denials.