The Trump administration has significantly expanded its controversial visa bond policy, adding 25 new countries to a list of nations whose citizens may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 for entry into the United States. According to State Department documents published Tuesday, the updated policy now encompasses 38 countries primarily from Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, with Venezuela notably included among the newly added nations.
The implementation timeline varies by country, with most new additions taking effect on January 21, 2026. The comprehensive list includes Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Cuba, Nigeria, Nepal, and Zimbabwe, among others. Venezuela’s inclusion comes amid heightened tensions following the extradition of former leader Nicolás Maduro to New York over the weekend.
Under the program’s specifications, travelers from designated countries who are otherwise eligible for B1/B2 business or tourism visas must secure bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with the exact amount determined during visa interviews. Applicants must process these financial guarantees through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Pay.gov platform before receiving visa approval.
This policy expansion represents the latest development in a pilot program initially launched in August with a smaller cohort of nations. Administration officials maintain that the financial bonds serve as a deterrent against visa overstays, protecting the integrity of temporary visitor programs. The State Department emphasizes that the bond amounts are refundable provided visitors comply with all visa conditions and departure requirements.
President Trump’s immigration agenda has consistently prioritized stringent enforcement measures since taking office in January 2025. His administration has implemented an aggressive deportation strategy, revoked numerous visas and green cards, and intensified screening of immigrants’ social media presence and public statements. While human rights organizations have condemned these policies as infringements on due process and free speech, administration officials defend them as necessary security enhancements for domestic protection.