The United States has expanded a controversial immigration policy requiring certain foreign nationals to post costly financial bonds before they can apply for a visa, a move that disproportionately affects African countries and could further limit access to legal travel to the US.
Under the policy, citizens of designated countries must pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to as much as $15,000 when applying for select US visas.
The Trump administration last week quietly added seven new countries to the list, according to a notice published on the State Department’s travel website.
The newly designated countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan, with the requirement taking effect on Jan. 1.
With the latest additions, the list now includes 13 countries, 11 of which are in Africa. Immigration advocates and analysts say the policy effectively prices out many would-be travelers, making lawful entry to the United States unattainable for large segments of the population in affected nations.
US officials argue the bond requirement is a compliance tool designed to reduce visa overstays. The bond is intended to ensure that visa holders depart the country on time and follow the terms of their admission. While payment of the bond is mandatory for applicants from listed countries, it does not guarantee visa approval. The funds are refunded if a visa is denied or once a traveler demonstrates full compliance with visa conditions.
The expanded bond policy is part of a broader tightening of US entry requirements under President Trump. In recent years, the administration has increased scrutiny of visa applicants by mandating in-person interviews for most visa categories and requiring extensive disclosures, including years of social media activity and detailed records of applicants’ travel histories and family living arrangements.
The newly added countries join Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, which were placed under the bond requirement in August and October of last year.
As the list grows, critics warn the policy could strain diplomatic relations and undermine people-to-people exchanges, while supporters maintain it strengthens immigration enforcement. For now, the financial barrier remains a decisive hurdle for thousands seeking to enter the United States legally.
