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US Imposes Visa Bonds Up To $20,000 For 50 Nations; India Exempt
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News18•03-10-2026, 10:30
US Imposes Visa Bonds Up To $20,000 For 50 Nations; India Exempt
- •The US has designated 50 countries whose citizens face visa bonds up to $20,000 for tourist and business visas, with India notably exempt.
- •Nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are included in the revised list, requiring financial bonds for B1/B2 visas.
- •The bond amounts, set by consular officials, can be $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, based on the State Department's directive.
- •The program, under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, aims to counter visitor overstays, using Homeland Security data.
- •Applicants must file DHS Form I-352 and consent to bond conditions via Pay.gov, with strict travel constraints for those fulfilling the bond.
Key Questions Answered
No, Indian passport holders are completely exempt from the US visa bond mandate. While 50 countries are targeted under the programme, India is not on the list.
Individuals traveling from the 50 designated countries must post financial bonds valued at USD 10,000, USD 15,000, or USD 20,000 for B1/B2 visas. The exact amount is determined by a consular official during the visa interview.
Participants must utilize commercial aviation facilities, including Customs and Border Protection preclearance terminals. They are strictly barred from using general aviation, charter aircraft, seaports, or land borders.
