"The State Department says the bonds are designed to deter visitors from overstaying their visas for tourism or business, citing a 2024 DHS fiscal report that analyzed estimated overstay rates by country. State of play: Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan have been subject to the bond requirement since Jan. 1, built off the State Department's pilot program launched in August 2025."
"The State Department did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment on any connection between U.S. actions in Venezuela or Trump's remarks on Cuba and the designation. Zoom in: Visa applicants from affected countries will be required to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, determined at the time of the visa interview, per the agency."
"Approved visa holders will only be allowed to enter the U.S. through one of three airports: Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. The State Department notes that posting a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and fees paid without officer's approval will not be refunded."
The State Department requires certain visitors to post bonds to deter visa overstays for tourism or business, citing a 2024 DHS fiscal report. Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan have been subject to the requirement since Jan. 1 after a pilot launched in August 2025. New nations including Venezuela and Cuba will be added with bond requirements effective Jan. 21. Bonds will range from $5,000 to $15,000 and will be set at the visa interview. Approved visa holders may enter only through Boston Logan, JFK, or Dulles. Posting a bond does not guarantee a visa and non-approved fees are nonrefundable. The State Department did not immediately link recent U.S. actions to the designations.
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