DOS Adds 12 More Countries to List Subject to Visa Bonds for B-1/B-2 Visas

On March 18, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) added 12 countries to the list of those subject to visa bonds for persons traveling to the United States on temporary B-1 (business) and B-2 (visitor) visas. The newly added countries include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. The list includes the implementation date for each country.

DOS noted that a citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of the listed countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview. The applicant must also submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of the place of application, DOS said.

Applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so, DOS advised. Applicants will receive a direct link to pay through Pay.gov. They must not use any third-party website for posting the bond. If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, the fees will not be returned, DOS said. A bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

A temporary final rule, published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2025, established the pilot program.

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Partner, Catherine Betancourt at catherine@flynnhodkinson.com.