A pilot programme that required visitors from certain countries to put down a five-figure refundable deposit is being made permanent — and made more expensive. The detail worth focusing on is not the rule change. It is what the pilot already did.
What Changes
| Pilot | Permanent rule | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum bond | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Lowest tier | $5,000 | removed |
| Typical bond | $5,000–$15,000 | mostly $15,000; some $10,000 or $20,000 |
| Indexing | — | inflation-adjusted every 7 years from Oct 2027 |
Which visas: B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) — the ordinary visitor categories, not student or work visas.
Which Countries
Reporting puts the list at dozens of countries, mainly in Africa — commonly cited as around 50 under the permanent rule, expanded from a smaller pilot list. Counts differ between outlets because the list has been revised more than once; the authoritative version is the one published in the Federal Register notice and on the State Department’s own visa pages, and that is what an applicant should check rather than any news summary.
The 83% Number
Here is the part most coverage buries. According to reporting on the final rule, visas granted to the targeted countries have fallen by 83%.
That single figure reframes the whole debate. The State Department’s stated justification is that a year-long review showed the bond “effectively enforces compliance with visa conditions” — that is, people who post a bond return on time. Critics read the same data differently: a requirement to lock up $15,000 does not mainly change the behaviour of people who get visas, it changes who applies at all.
Both readings are consistent with an 83% decline. Which one you accept determines whether the programme is a compliance tool or a barrier — and that argument is the substance of the story.
How the Bond Works in Practice
- It is refundable — returned if the visitor complies with visa conditions and leaves on time.
- The amount is set by a consular officer’s discretion within the permitted tiers, not by a fixed schedule.
- The money must be posted up front, which is the practical barrier regardless of refundability — $15,000 held for the length of a trip is out of reach for most applicants.
For a different corner of US visa policy, see our breakdown of what is actually in effect for H-1B versus what is only proposed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the US visa bond?
Up to $20,000 under the permanent rule, with most set at $15,000. The $5,000 tier has been removed.
Which visas does it apply to?
B-1 and B-2 — business and tourist visitor visas.
Which countries are affected?
Dozens, mainly in Africa. Because the list has been revised, check the Federal Register notice or the State Department’s visa pages rather than a news list.
Do you get the money back?
Yes, if visa conditions are met and the visitor departs on time — but it must be posted up front.
Has it reduced travel?
Reporting on the final rule indicates visas granted to targeted countries have fallen 83%.
Rule details per Federal Register reporting via Skift, US News, The Washington Times and Associated Press summaries, 2026. Country counts differ between outlets as the list has been revised; the Federal Register notice and State Department guidance are authoritative. General information, not immigration advice. Photo: US passport visa pages, public domain.
