Overview
- Washington added Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe to the visa-bond list, part of an expansion that now covers 38 countries overall.
- Of the 38 bond-designated countries, 24 are in Africa, and a separate set of U.S. entry bans now applies to 12 African states.
- Travelers directed to post bonds must submit DHS Form I-352 and pay $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 via Pay.gov, and posting a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
- Bonds are refundable if a visa is denied or if the holder departs on time, according to U.S. guidance.
- The State Department says waivers can be granted case by case, including for individuals serving U.S. national interests and participants in major sporting events.