US Visa Bond Program Expands to 50 Countries — Up to $15,000 Required for B1/B2 Applicants

The US visa bond program is a pilot scheme run by the State Department that requires B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants from certain countries to post a refundable cash bond before their visa is issued. The bond acts as a financial incentive to comply with visa conditions — specifically, to leave the United States before the visa expires.

The program was introduced in August 2025 and has been expanded in phases. As of April 2, 2026, it covers 50 countries. The State Department says the program has been effective, with 97% of bond holders departing within their visa timeframe.

On March 18, 2026, the State Department announced that 12 additional countries would be added to the visa bond program effective April 2, 2026. This brings the total to 50 countries worldwide.

The bond program has been rolled out in four phases since August 2025. Here is the complete list of all 50 countries currently covered, grouped by when they were added.

Several nationalities with significant communities in the UAE are on the bond list. If you hold a passport from one of these countries and plan to apply for a US tourist or business visa from Dubai, you will need to budget for the bond amount on top of the standard visa fees.

The bond is in addition to the standard US visa application fee (currently $185 for B1/B2). For a Bangladeshi or Nigerian worker in the UAE earning AED 3,000–5,000 per month, a $15,000 bond (approximately AED 55,000) represents a significant financial commitment — even though it is refundable.

Visa holders who post a bond are subject to additional travel restrictions that do not apply to regular B1/B2 visa holders.

• You must enter and exit the United States through a commercial airport only — including CBP preclearance locations.
• You cannot use charter flights, general aviation, land border crossings, or seaports.
• Your departure must be recorded by the Department of Homeland Security for the bond to be refunded.
• If you overstay your visa, the full bond amount is forfeited to the US government.

This means if you are planning a road trip to Canada or Mexico during your US visit, you must return to the US and depart from a commercial airport to ensure your departure is properly recorded.

1. 1Check if your passport country is on the 50-country list above. If it is not listed, you are not affected.
2. 2If your country is on the list, budget for the bond amount ($5,000–$15,000 / AED 18,000–55,000) in addition to the $185 visa fee. The exact bond amount is determined at your interview.
3. 3Prepare strong documentation showing ties to the UAE — employment contract, property ownership, family in UAE, salary certificates — to demonstrate you will return. Strong ties may result in a lower bond amount.
4. 4Be aware that posting a bond does not guarantee your visa will be approved. If your visa is denied, the bond is refunded.
5. 5Plan your US trip entry and exit through commercial airports only. Keep all boarding passes and departure records.
6. 6The bond is refunded after DHS confirms your timely departure. Allow several weeks for processing.
7. 7Contact OraVisa for personalised guidance on your US visa application strategy, documentation, and bond preparation.

The visa bond pilot program was authorised through a State Department temporary final rule. The current authorisation runs through August 5, 2026. However, the State Department may extend the program or make it permanent based on its assessment of effectiveness.

Given the program has expanded from 2 countries to 50 in less than a year, and the State Department has cited a 97% compliance rate, it is likely the program will continue beyond August 2026. OraVisa will publish an update if the program is extended, modified, or ended.

This update is based on publicly available information from the US Department of State, the Federal Register, and credible legal and news reporting as of 5 April 2026. The visa bond program is active and the 12 new countries have been in effect since April 2, 2026. This analysis is provided for informational purposes to help UAE residents understand the policy. It does not constitute legal advice. For the latest official information, visit the State Department visa bond page at travel.state.gov.