WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has expanded its controversial visa bond policy, adding seven more nations—five of them in Africa—to the list of countries whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 before being allowed to enter the United States.
The decision, implemented quietly by the State Department, took effect on January 1 and now includes Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan. With this addition, a total of 13 countries—all but two located in Africa—are now subject to the visa bond requirement.
The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration strategy, which aims to curb overstays of temporary U.S. visas. The policy allows consular officers to require applicants to post a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 before entering the country. The bond is forfeited if the traveler remains in the U.S. beyond their visa expiration date.
Policy Origins and Implementation
The visa bond program was first introduced as a pilot initiative in late 2020 and targeted countries identified as having high rates of visa overstays. While initially framed as a temporary measure, the program’s continuation and expansion signal a long-term shift toward tighter immigration enforcement.
According to the State Department, the policy aims to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. However, critics argue that it unfairly targets poorer nations, particularly in Africa, and creates financial barriers that make legal travel nearly impossible for many citizens.
Human rights advocates and immigration experts have condemned the move, calling it discriminatory and counterproductive. They warn that the policy risks damaging diplomatic relations with several African nations and could discourage legitimate travel for business, education, and tourism.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
For many travelers from the newly listed countries, the requirement to pay thousands of dollars upfront makes the cost of a U.S. visa prohibitively expensive. Economists and travel industry leaders have also expressed concerns that the policy could further weaken global mobility and harm international partnerships, especially with African nations that have longstanding ties to the U.S.
Officials in several of the affected countries have criticized the U.S. government’s decision, saying it undermines the principles of equal access and mutual respect in international relations. “This measure sends the wrong signal to countries striving to strengthen cooperation with the United States,” said one African diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A Broader Immigration Crackdown
The visa bond policy comes amid other restrictive immigration measures introduced during the Trump era, including limits on refugee admissions, enhanced border security, and stricter vetting procedures. Supporters of the bond rule argue that it helps hold travelers accountable and ensures that those who enter the U.S. comply with visa terms.
Still, opponents say the measure reflects an ongoing pattern of targeting specific regions under the guise of immigration control. “It’s another layer of bureaucracy and discrimination that hurts families, students, and entrepreneurs who simply want to visit or study in America,” said an immigration rights attorney based in Washington.
Looking Ahead
It remains unclear whether the Biden administration will continue or revoke the policy. While some observers expect a review of the program, others note that enforcement mechanisms remain in place until formally rescinded.
As global travel slowly rebounds following years of pandemic-related restrictions, the new visa bond requirements could create additional hurdles for citizens of the affected countries. For now, thousands of hopeful travelers must weigh whether the financial burden is worth the opportunity to enter the United States.
The expansion underscores a broader debate over how America balances security with openness—and whether policies like these serve national interests or isolate it further from global allies.