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5h ago

U.S. Adds The Gambia to Visa Bond Pilot, Expanding List to Three Countries

Refundable bonds now apply to select B‑1/B‑2 applicants from high‑overstay countries, with compliance tracked through designated airports.

The US has initiated a 12-month pilot Visa Bond Program for nationals from high overstay countries, requiring a bond of up to $15,000 for short-term visas, effective August 20, 2025.
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Overview

  • The State Department’s 12‑month pilot runs from August 20, 2025 to August 5, 2026 and requires bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 for eligible short‑term visitors from designated countries.
  • The Gambia is being added effective October 11, 2025, joining Malawi and Zambia, which were designated at the program’s launch.
  • Applicants must execute DHS Form I‑352 and pay via the Treasury’s Pay.gov, and bonded travelers must enter and depart through Boston (BOS), New York JFK, or Washington Dulles (IAD).
  • Bond funds are automatically refunded when travelers comply with visa terms or do not travel, while suspected breaches are referred by DHS to USCIS for determination.
  • Country selection is based on DHS overstay data showing high B‑1/B‑2 overstay rates in the listed nations, whereas India’s B‑1/B‑2 overstay rate is 1.29% and it is not on the bond list.