— LEAD PARAGRAPH The United States has expanded its controversial visa bond requirement to include passport holders from seven additional countries, including five in Africa, according to official statements.
The new measures, which took effect on January 1, are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to tighten immigration controls. BODY.
The latest additions to the visa bond list are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea — Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan. This brings the total number of countries requiring bond payments to thirteen, with eleven being in Africa.
The bond requirement is now in place for Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, which were added to the list in the latter half of 2025.
According to the State Department, the bond requirement is intended to ensure that citizens of targeted countries do not overstay their visas. If a visa is denied or the visa holder complies with the visa terms, the bond amount is refunded. Critics argue that the bond requirement discriminates against citizens from certain countries and makes the process of obtaining a U.
S. Visa unaffordable for many. They also contend that it hampers diplomatic relations and economic cooperation.
U. S. Officials defend the measure, stating that it is an effective deterrent against visa overstays and does not prevent qualified applicants from entering the country.
ENDING. Further details are expected as the new year unfolds.
