Pakistan Exempt from New US Visa Bond Requirement

Pakistan has been excluded from a new US visa bond program that mandates financial guarantees of up to $20,000 for visitors from 50 countries. The program, which took effect on August 1, requires citizens of designated nations to pay a refundable deposit before obtaining a US visitor visa.

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Pakistan is not among the 50 countries whose citizens may now be required to deposit up to $20,000 as a financial guarantee before obtaining a US visitor visa under a new programme that took effect on Aug 1.

The US State Department has made the program permanent following a review of a 2025 pilot, which it stated significantly reduced visa overstays and improved compliance with immigration rules. Data indicated that overstays from the participating countries dropped from 45,488 in 2024 to fewer than 50 in the first 10 months of the pilot program. The requirement has also led to a decrease in visa applications, as some individuals opt out rather than pay the bond.

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The list published in the US Federal Register does not include Pakistan.

While Pakistan is not on the list, other South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Nepal are included. India, however, is not. Afghanistan and Iran are also absent from the list due to the absence of normal diplomatic relations between those countries and the United States. The bond, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, is refundable if the visitor adheres to visa conditions and departs the US on time. Failure to comply risks forfeiture of the deposit. US consular officers will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a bond is necessary for applicants from covered countries.

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Among South Asian countries, Bangladesh and Nepal are covered by the programme, while India is not.