The High Price of Entry: 'US Visa Bond Pilot Program 2026' Adds 38 More Countries

Would you pay a $15,000 deposit just for the chance to visit the United States? The U.S. State Department isn't just asking—they're making it a requirement for thousands of travelers. By expanding its controversial pilot program, the U.S. is effectively placing a massive financial filter on who can cross its borders, raising sharp questions about equity and the true intent of immigration enforcement.

Expanding the US Visa Bond Pilot Program 2026: New Regions Affected

Following the recent addition of Turkmenistan and Bhutan, the U.S. State Department has added 38 more countries to the list. This expansion targets nations in Central Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. Starting January 21, 2026, citizens from nations like Bangladesh, Nepal, Fiji, and Kyrgyzstan must post a reimbursable bond to secure a business or tourist visa.

The bond amounts—set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—are determined during the visa interview. While the funds are returned if the traveler departs on time, the upfront cost is staggering. Moreover, travelers under this program can only enter and exit via three designated airports: JFK, Boston Logan, and Dulles International. This adds another layer of logistical and financial burden for those coming from the Pacific region.

A Flawed Metric for Enforcement?

The Trump administration justifies the program as a deterrent for visa overstays. However, the logic of "punishment by percentage" is under fire. Bhutan has an overstay rate of 21.75%, but that represents only 92 individuals. Contrast this with Brazil, which has a tiny 1.25% rate but saw over 21,300 actual overstays. Critics argue that targeting small nations based on percentages rather than raw impact is a bizarre and inefficient way to handle immigration.