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The United States now requires a refundable $5,000–$15,000 bond for some B1/B2 tourist and business visa applicants from select countries, effective January 1, 2026—a move aimed at reducing visa overstays and limiting entry to three designated airports.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

Who is covered and how much

At the start of 2026, the U.S. State Department expanded the bond program to include Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia—bringing the total number of affected countries to 13.

The bond ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per applicant, determined on a case-by-case basis. Payment does not guarantee visa issuance, and if a visa is refused, the amount is returned, according to Infohub.kz.

Entry restricted to three airports

Travelers approved under this scheme may enter the United States only through Boston Logan International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, or Washington Dulles International Airport.

How the policy began

The bond requirement stems from a State Department pilot launched in August 2025 to deter overstays among B1/B2 visitors from countries with higher rates of exceeding authorized stays.

Context

Infohub.kz notes the measure follows broader tightening, including a temporary pause on issuing visas under the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. The new rule applies exclusively to B1/B2 categories.