Starting April 2, 2026, the U.S. Will Demand a $15,000 Deposit from Visitors of 50 Nations.

Understanding the U.S. Visa Bond Program

According to Novyny.live: A significant shift in U.S. immigration policy is set to take effect in 2026. The new Visa Bond initiative will require travelers from 50 specified countries to pay a $15,000 deposit before they can obtain a B1/B2 visa. This program, launching on April 2, 2026, marks a major change for one of the most commonly sought visa categories, particularly among Ukrainian applicants.

The Visa Bond program was first introduced in August 2025. Under its rules, nationals from affected countries must provide this financial guarantee to secure a visa. The deposit amount has been set at $15,000. Starting April 2, 2026, the list of participating nations will expand to 50, adding 12 new countries. This expansion is expected to impact the volume of B1/B2 visa applications.

The Financial Side of the Policy

Beyond regulating entry, the program carries a clear economic incentive. The U.S. State Department estimates it saves up to $800 million annually by reducing the costs associated with tracking and deporting undocumented immigrants. This suggests the Visa Bond initiative is designed not only to streamline visa processing but also to cut immigration enforcement expenses.

Countries currently included in the Visa Bond program are:

• Algeria
• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bangladesh
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Grenada
• Georgia
• Ethiopia
• Burundi
• Cabo Verde
• Cambodia
• Central African Republic
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Cuba
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Mauritania
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tonga
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Lesotho
• Mauritius
• Mongolia
• Mozambique
• Nicaragua
• Papua New Guinea
• Seychelles
• Tunisia

The rollout of the Visa Bond program represents a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration policy and could reshape migration patterns from the listed countries.

This initiative is part of a broader U.S. effort to tighten immigration controls in response to rising numbers of undocumented migrants. The deposit requirement may create a significant barrier for many prospective visa applicants, while simultaneously lowering risks for the U.S. immigration system. The policy also introduces new diplomatic challenges for Washington in its relations with the affected nations.