What is a U.S. visa bond? The 2026 guide

A U.S. visa bond is a refundable financial guarantee — $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 — that certain B1/B2 visitor visa applicants must post before their visa can be issued. Post the bond, travel, leave the United States on time, and the bond is cancelled. This guide covers who needs one, how much it costs, and the two ways to post it.

Why visa bonds exist

The bond gives the U.S. government a financial guarantee that a visitor will depart on time. The Visa Bond Program operates under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; it began as a 12-month pilot in August 2025 and was made permanent by a final rule effective August 3, 2026 (91 FR 48757). It targets countries with elevated visa overstay rates or other screening concerns identified by the State Department.

The program launched on August 20, 2025 with Malawi and Zambia and expanded in waves — reaching 50 countries by April 2, 2026.

Who has to post a visa bond

Citizens of the 50 countries currently in the program who apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visitor visa and are found otherwise eligible. The consular officer tells you at your interview whether a bond is required — the requirement applies no matter where in the world you apply. Only B1/B2 visas are covered; other visa categories are not part of the program.

Note: some listed countries are also under a separate U.S. partial entry ban. Their citizens generally cannot receive a B1/B2 visa even with a bond — check your country's page for its current status.

How much the bond is

The officer sets one of three amounts at your interview: $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, based on your circumstances. (The maximum adjusts for inflation every seven years starting October 1, 2027.) This is not a fee: it is a deposit-style guarantee held by the U.S. government for the duration of your trip and returned (or released) when you comply with the bond's terms.

The rules that come with it

• Visa on hold until posted. Your visa is refused under INA 221(g) at the interview and can only be issued once the bond is posted.
• Airport entry only. Bonded travelers must enter and depart through commercial airports (including preclearance locations) — land border crossings are not permitted.
• Commercial air only. Bond holders must enter and exit the U.S. through commercial airports — no land crossings, sea ports, charters, or general aviation.
• Leave on time. Depart by your authorized date and the bond is cancelled automatically. Overstay and it is forfeited.

Two ways to post the bond

Option 1 — post it yourself. You (or a relative, employer, or sponsor acting as the obligor) deposit the full amount with the U.S. Treasury via Pay.gov under DHS Form I-352. The money is locked up until the bond is cancelled. See our step-by-step Pay.gov guide.

Option 2 — use VisaDeposits. We act as the obligor and fund the full bond for you, filing typically within two business days. You pay a one-time fee from $1,499 and your cash stays free for the trip itself. If you leave on time, that's the whole cost — the bond cancels and nothing further is owed.

What happens afterwards

Departing on time through a commercial airport cancels the bond automatically. The bond is also cancelled if you never travel before your visa expires, or if you are denied entry at the border. The only way to lose the bond is to breach its terms — most commonly by overstaying. Full details in our refunds and cancellation guide and the FAQ.

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