Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are now among countries newly targeted by a U.S. visa bond requirement. The Trump administration has expanded the policy, significantly increasing the number of affected nations.

Recently, the U.S. State Department added 25 more countries to the list. This move came less than a week after seven countries were added. As a result, 38 countries are now subject to visa bonds.

According to the State Department, the new requirements take effect on January 21, 2026. Under the policy, some visa applicants must post bonds ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000.

Consequently, the process may become unaffordable for many travelers. Most affected countries are in Africa. However, several are in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials defended the policy. They said the bonds help prevent visa overstays. However, payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval.

Instead, the bond is refunded if a visa is denied. It is also refunded when a traveler proves compliance with visa terms.

Additionally, the policy is part of broader entry restrictions. These include mandatory in-person interviews and disclosure of long-term social media history. Applicants must also provide detailed travel and residency records.

The bond requirement applies regardless of where a visa application is submitted. Eligible travelers must submit DHS Form I-352. They must also agree to bond terms through the Pay.gov system.

Countries Subject to U.S. Visa Bonds

Last Updated: January 6, 2026

Algeria (January 21, 2026)
Angola (January 21, 2026)
Antigua and Barbuda (January 21, 2026)
Bangladesh (January 21, 2026)
Benin (January 21, 2026)
Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
Botswana (January 1, 2026)
Burundi (January 21, 2026)
Cabo Verde (January 21, 2026)
Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
Côte d’Ivoire (January 21, 2026)
Cuba (January 21, 2026)
Djibouti (January 21, 2026)
Dominica (January 21, 2026)
Fiji (January 21, 2026)
Gabon (January 21, 2026)
The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
Guinea (January 1, 2026)
Guinea-Bissau (January 1, 2026)
Kyrgyzstan (January 21, 2026)
Malawi (August 20, 2025)
Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
Namibia (January 1, 2026)
Nepal (January 21, 2026)
Nigeria (January 21, 2026)
Sao Tome and Principe (October 23, 2025)
Senegal (January 21, 2026)
Tajikistan (January 21, 2026)
Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
Togo (January 21, 2026)
Tonga (January 21, 2026)
Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)
Tuvalu (January 21, 2026)
Uganda (January 21, 2026)
Vanuatu (January 21, 2026)
Venezuela (January 21, 2026)
Zambia (August 20, 2025)
Zimbabwe (January 21, 2026)

Overall, the expansion reflects continued tightening of U.S. entry requirements, affecting travelers across multiple regions.

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