WASHINGTON: The U.S. government has tightened its visa policy by adding seven new countries to the list of nations whose citizens must meet additional requirements when applying for a U.S. visa.
Under the new rules, citizens of these countries will have to deposit a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a visa. Most of the newly added countries are in Africa. With this update, the total number of countries under this condition has risen to 13.
According to the Associated Press, last year the U.S. had already included Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia under this bond requirement. The latest decision adds Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan to the list.
U.S. officials said that the bond requirement is intended to ensure that citizens from these countries do not overstay their visas illegally. They emphasized that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any funds paid will be refunded if the visa is denied or if the applicant fulfills all conditions.
This new policy has been in effect since January 1, 2026. Experts warn that it could make obtaining a U.S. visa more difficult and expensive for citizens of these countries and may have negative effects on international travel, trade, and business relations.
