US Imposes Visa Bonds Up to $20,000 on 50 Countries; India Exempt

Citizens of 50 countries face US visa bonds of up to $20,000 under a revised State Department list, while Indian passport holders remain outside the requirement.

The programme applies to specified nationalities seeking B1/B2 visas for temporary business or tourism visits. According to the State Department details cited by ANI, affected applicants may be required to deposit $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, with the amount determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.

India’s exclusion concerns this bond requirement; it does not remove the usual visa application and eligibility requirements for Indian travellers.

BANGLADESH, BHUTAN AND NEPAL COVERED

The revised list, released on Friday, includes countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Pacific, as well as several of India’s neighbours.

According to the report, the requirement has applied to passport holders from Nepal and Bangladesh since January 21, while Bhutan was included from January 1.

The programme uses visitor-overstay data published by the US Department of Homeland Security to identify the nationalities covered. Its stated purpose is to discourage people from remaining in the country beyond their authorised stay.

PAY ONLY WHEN DIRECTED

Applicants covered by the programme must submit DHS Form I-352 and agree to the bond conditions through Pay.gov, the US Treasury Department’s payment platform.

The State Department cautioned against making payments before receiving instructions.

“Applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so,” it said.

The applicant or a third party, such as a relative, friend or business associate, can make the deposit. Refunds go to the depositor when the bond conditions are met.

Posting the money does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

TRAVEL ROUTES ALSO RESTRICTED

The bond programme also places conditions on how participating travellers enter and leave the United States.

According to the report, they must use commercial aviation facilities, including eligible Customs and Border Protection preclearance facilities. Travel through land borders or seaports, or by general aviation and charter aircraft, is not permitted under the programme’s conditions.

Potential violations are referred to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine whether the bond has been breached.

For affected applicants, the requirement therefore involves both an upfront financial commitment and compliance with specified travel and departure conditions.

With inputs from ANI