U.S. raises visa bond to $20,000 for Nicaraguans and citizens of 49 other nations

The United States is raising the financial bar for certain visa applicants, increasing the bond requirement to as much as $20,000 for business and tourist visas. This measure, announced by the Department of State on July 31, 2026, impacts citizens from about 50 countries, including Nicaragua, Cuba, Grenada, and Venezuela, along with several nations in Africa.

The expanded pilot program, which initially launched in August 2025, requires applicants for B-1/B-2 visas to pay a bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. This fee must be paid before a visa can be issued. The funds will be managed by the Treasury and State Departments and are expected to be returned to the visa holder upon their departure from the U.S.

The U.S. government frames this policy as a tool to curb immigration, particularly targeting individuals from countries whose citizens historically overstay their authorized periods in the U.S. According to the State Department, during the first year of the pilot, approximately 20,000 applicants were subject to the bond requirement, with half choosing to withdraw their applications rather than pay. The program has reportedly led to an 83% reduction in granted tourist and business visas for affected countries.

However, organizations advocating for migrants argue that these bond requirements create significant economic obstacles for legal entry into the U.S. They contend that the policy disproportionately affects citizens from poorer nations and those with predominantly Black populations. The increased bond amounts are determined during the visa interview, and applicants must complete specific forms and payment procedures, including using an online portal managed by the Treasury Department.