Overview
- The State Department added 25 countries less than a week after a prior expansion, bringing the total under the bond rule to 38, with most of the latest additions in Africa.
- The policy applies to eligible B1 business and B2 tourism applicants holding passports from the listed countries, with bond amounts set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at the interview.
- Payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and refunds apply only if a visa is denied or the traveler proves compliance with visa terms.
- Officials warn that payments made without explicit consular instruction will not be refunded, and bonded travelers must enter and depart through Dulles, JFK, or Boston Logan.
- The department has not explained why specific countries were included, and reporting notes no stated link between Venezuela’s addition and recent geopolitical events.