Washington, United States — The U. S. Citizens of Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan were added to the list on New Year’s Day, bringing the total to 11 African states plus Bhutan and Turkmenistan.
A notice on the department’s travel. State. Gov site says the measure aims to curb visa overstays.
The same statement notes that payment does not guarantee approval, and consular officers may still refuse entry on other grounds.
The requirement was first introduced in 2020, suspended the following year, then revived in 2025. Angola, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi and Zambia were added last August and October, according to earlier federal notices.
Regional officials confirmed that embassies began requesting bonds this week, leaving prospective travelers scrambling for funds during peak holiday travel season.
Independent observers say the up — front cost is likely to deter short-term business trips and family visits, but official data on application numbers have not been released.
The department has not announced when the list will next be reviewed.
Further details are expected once consulates publish local implementation guidelines.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
