The United States has introduced a visa bond requirement for nationals of a specified group of countries applying for certain B1/B2 visitor visas. Under the latest U.S. Department of State update, eligible applicants from countries on the list may be required to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 before a visa can be issued.
India, however, is not included in the current list of countries subject to the visa bond requirement. This means Indian passport holders are not automatically required to provide the new visa bond simply because they are applying for a U.S. visitor visa.
The U.S. Department of State says the visa bond program applies to nationals of specifically designated countries who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa. The exact bond amount is determined at the time of the visa interview by the consular officer.
According to the latest official list, countries subject to the requirement include Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and several other nations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. India does not appear on the list published by the State Department.
The bond is not an additional visa fee. Applicants who are directed to post a bond must complete the required DHS Form I-352 and make the payment through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov system after receiving instructions from a consular officer.
The State Department has also warned applicants not to pay visa bonds through unofficial websites. Payments should only be made through the official process and link provided by the U.S. government.
For travelers from countries covered by the program, the bond can represent a significant financial requirement, with the highest amount reaching $20,000. The program is connected to concerns including visa overstays and compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
For Indian travelers, the latest State Department list provides an important clarification: India is currently outside the countries specifically identified for the visa bond requirement.
However, U.S. visa rules can change, so applicants should check the latest official State Department guidance before making travel or visa plans.
The latest update from the U.S. Department of State was dated October 2, 2026, making the official list the most relevant reference for the current rules.