US Cracks Down On Visa Overstays, Expands $15,000 Bond Policy To 50 Countries

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Global Public Affairs has reported a 97 per cent compliance rate among travellers participating in its visa bond programme, as authorities move to broaden the initiative to additional countries in an effort to tackle visa overstays.

According to Ireporter Online, the bureau disclosed in a statement released on March 18 that close to 1,000 visas have been issued under the scheme, with the vast majority of recipients adhering to the conditions by returning to their home countries within the approved period.

The latest figures stand in sharp contrast to data recorded during the final year of former US President Joe Biden’s administration, when over 44,000 visitors from countries now covered by the visa bond policy reportedly overstayed their visas. Officials say the disparity highlights the effectiveness of the programme in ensuring compliance.

Authorities confirmed that the policy will be expanded to cover a total of 50 countries, a move expected to further curb violations. Beginning April 2, 2026, foreign nationals from affected nations applying for B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas will be required to deposit a refundable bond of $15,000 prior to entry into the United States. The bond will be returned to travellers who comply fully with visa conditions or those who do not proceed with travel.

The State Department noted that the next phase of the rollout will include 12 additional countries, namely Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia. These countries will join 38 others already participating in the programme, including Nigeria.

Officials explained that inclusion in the programme is determined by various immigration risk indicators, stressing that the initiative has already demonstrated success in reducing unlawful stays. They added that the refundable bond structure serves as both a compliance incentive and a safeguard for immigration enforcement.

The department further highlighted the economic benefits of the policy, stating that it significantly reduces the financial burden on taxpayers. It noted that the average cost of removing an individual unlawfully present in the United States exceeds $18,000, adding that the visa bond programme is projected to save the government up to $800 million annually.