Travellers from 30 African countries will now be required to pay refundable security deposits of up to $20,000 to visit the United States, following the permanent adoption of a visa bond policy by the US Department of State. The rule, which took effect on August 3, 2026, applies to selected applicants for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. Consular officers can require bonds of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance (sundayworld.co.za).
Pakistan was excluded from the list of 50 countries affected by the new rule, meaning its citizens will not face the financial guarantee requirement. The policy, which was published in the US Federal Register, includes nations such as Bangladesh and Nepal, but excludes India (dawn.com).
The visa bond policy has sparked concerns among African diplomats and travel industry representatives, who argue it may deter tourism and business travel. While the exact impact on travel volumes remains unclear, the policy is seen as part of broader US efforts to strengthen security and reduce visa fraud.
