Overview
- The State Department finalized the rule after a year-long pilot and it is scheduled to take effect when published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026.
- The rule applies to B‑1 and B‑2 applicants from 50 designated countries, mostly in Africa, and lets consular officers require bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 that are refundable if visa terms are honored.
- The department cited pilot data showing overstays from the covered countries fell from about 45,500 in 2024 to fewer than 50 during the pilot period as the primary justification for making the program permanent.
- Implementation surprised officials: roughly 20,000 applicants fell under the requirement instead of an expected 2,000, nearly half declined to post bonds, and issued B‑1/B‑2 visas to listed nationals dropped about 83%.
- Advocates warn the rule will disproportionately burden poorer travelers, deter legitimate visits and raise civil‑rights and due‑process concerns, while the department says consular discretion could expand the list of covered countries in future updates.