US Expands Visa Bond Program
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Mar 18, 2026 · Last updated Mar 18, 2026
The expanded visa bond program by the United States will likely negatively impact the tourism and business travel sectors from the 50 affected countries, including Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Georgia (country), due to the increased financial barrier. This policy could also deter international students and visitors, potentially reducing revenue for related industries within the United States.
The Donald Trump administration, through the United States — United States Department of State, has expanded its visa bond program, now requiring citizens from 50 countries to post a $15,000 bond for B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) visas to enter the United States. This program, effective April 2, adds 12 new nations including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia (country), Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia, to an existing list of 38, primarily African countries. The stated aim is to reduce visa overstays, with bonds being refundable upon timely departure. This move is part of Donald Trump's broader hard-line immigration policies, which have included travel bans, aggressive deportations, and increased scrutiny of immigrants. Human rights groups have criticized these policies, while the administration defends them as necessary for domestic security.
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