The Trump administration has added 25 more countries to a list of nations whose citizens may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for short-term entry into the United States, according to information published on the US State Department website on Tuesday.
With the latest additions, the list now includes 38 countries, most of them from Africa, Latin America and South Asia. The requirement will take effect on January 21, the State Department said.
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The policy applies to travellers seeking B1/B2 visas, which cover tourism and short-term business travel. Under the rule, eligible applicants from listed countries may be asked to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the amount determined during the visa interview.
Venezuela was among the countries included in the expanded list. The update comes days after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to New York, following a military operation in Caracas.
How the bond system works?
According to the State Department, applicants required to post a bond must complete payment through Pay.gov, the US Treasury Department’s online platform. The bond is intended to ensure compliance with visa conditions, including timely departure from the United States.
The government has said the measure is designed to discourage visa overstays, particularly among travellers entering for tourism or business purposes.
The bond requirement was first introduced as a pilot programme in August, with a smaller group of countries. Tuesday’s update significantly broadens its scope.
Part of broader immigration crackdown
Since returning to office in January last year, President Donald Trump has intensified enforcement of US immigration laws. His administration has pursued mass deportations, revoked visas and green cards, and expanded screening of immigrants’ social media activity and past public statements.
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Human rights organisations have criticised these measures, arguing that they undermine due process protections and free expression. Trump and his allies have defended the policies, saying they are necessary to strengthen national security and enforce immigration laws.
The State Department has not said whether additional countries may be added to the list in the future.
