• Expanded Country List: Effective January 1, the visa bond requirement now includes applicants from Botswana and Namibia, joining previously added nations like Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania.
• Bond Financials: Consular officers may assign bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, which are fully refundable upon compliance with visa terms.
• Mandatory Airports: Travelers under this bond program are restricted to entering and exiting the US exclusively via JFK, Boston Logan, or Washington Dulles airports.
• Program Duration: The pilot program is currently active and is scheduled to run through August 5, requiring immediate attention from current visa applicants.

The United States Department of State has officially updated the parameters of its visa bond pilot program, expanding the list of participating nations. As of January 1, citizens from Botswana and Namibia are among the new additions required to adhere to these regulations when applying for B1/B2 visitor visas. This pilot initiative, which originally began including African nations in late 2025, is currently scheduled to operate until August 5. Under the established guidelines, consular officers hold the discretion to require a visa bond during the interview process, with potential amounts set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. These figures are determined based on individual assessments at the consulate.

Applicants selected for this requirement must navigate a specific administrative process involving the Department of Homeland Security. This includes submitting Form I-352 and facilitating the bond payment through the Pay.gov online platform. The program aims to ensure adherence to visa terms, and the full bond amount is refundable provided the traveler complies with all conditions. A critical component of these conditions is a strict restriction on ports of entry and departure. Participants who have posted a bond are permitted to enter and exit the United States only through Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, or Washington Dulles International Airport.

This expansion builds upon the program’s rollout in August 2025, which initially applied to nationals from Malawi and Zambia, followed by the inclusion of Tanzania in October 2025. The policy serves as a compliance measure for temporary visitors from specific regions. Travelers from the affected countries must now account for these financial and logistical stipulations when planning their itineraries to ensuring they meet all federal requirements for entry and reimbursement.