Trump Announces New Visa Restrictions

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The United States Department of State announced Wednesday that it is expanding its visa bond program, adding 12 more countries to a growing list of nations whose citizens must pay thousands of dollars upfront when applying to visit the United States.

With the latest update, the total number of countries affected rises to 50, part of a broader effort to reduce visa overstays and strengthen immigration enforcement. Officials say the policy is designed to ensure that travelers who enter the U.S. on temporary visas return home as required.

Starting April 2, applicants from countries including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia will be required to post a financial bond when applying for B1 or B2 visas. These visas are typically used for business travel, medical visits or tourism.

Under the program, applicants must pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on individual risk factors assessed by a consular officer. The bond acts as a financial guarantee that the traveler will comply with visa terms and leave the country before their authorized stay expires.

According to Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson, the program has already shown strong early results. He said approximately 1,000 visas have been issued under the system so far, with about 97 percent of participants returning to their home countries on time.

Officials emphasize that the bond is not a fee that is permanently lost. Travelers who follow the rules and depart the U.S. as required will receive their money back. Those who overstay, however, risk forfeiting the full amount.

The State Department estimates the policy could save American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year — potentially up to $800 million — by helping offset the costs associated with locating, detaining and deporting individuals who remain in the country illegally.

For many older Americans who value clear rules and accountability, the program represents a more structured approach to managing temporary travel into the United States. Supporters argue it encourages compliance while protecting public resources, while critics may question how it affects access for legitimate travelers.

As the policy expands, it is expected to remain a key part of the government’s strategy to tighten visa oversight and reduce unlawful stays without broadly restricting legal travel.