Story perspectives

New Visa Bonds for 12 Countries Aim to Curb Overstays

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. State Department will require citizens from 12 additional countries to post bonds up to $15,000 for visa applications, effective April 2.
The twelve countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
The bond is refundable if the visa is denied or if the applicant meets visa terms.
The policy aims to curb overstays and will expand to 50 countries.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. State Department will require citizens from 12 additional countries to post bonds up to $15,000 for visa applications, effective April 2.
The twelve countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
The bond is refundable if the visa is denied or if the applicant meets visa terms.
The policy aims to curb overstays and will expand to 50 countries.