Ethiopia Joins Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tunisia, Lesotho, Cambodia, Mongolia and Others as US Expands Entry Restrictions, Impacting Travel with Higher Visa Bond Obligations and Surging Visa Costs

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Ethiopia joins Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tunisia, Lesotho, Cambodia, Mongolia and other nations under the expanded U.S. visa bond program, signalling broader enforcement and tighter travel regulations.

Countries like Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Tunisia will now be subject to this bond requirement. Nationals from these countries who apply for B1/B2 visas may be required to post a bond of up to $15,000, depending on the individual’s case. This bond is refundable if the traveler adheres to the conditions of their visa and departs the U.S. on time. However, the bond is not a guarantee of visa approval and must be paid through official channels.

Starting April 2, 2026, the United States will expand its visa bond program for B1/B2 visas to include twelve additional countries, significantly impacting travelers planning visits for business or tourism. With this update, the total number of countries under the program rises to 50, as the U.S. Department of State intensifies efforts to curb visa overstays and strengthen border security.

What Does This Mean for Travelers and Tourism?

For travelers, especially tourists and business professionals from the newly added countries, this requirement will introduce an additional financial commitment when applying for a U.S. visa. The bond serves as a security deposit to ensure that visitors comply with the terms of their visa and leave the U.S. by the authorised date. This is particularly significant for those planning to explore the U.S. for tourism or conduct business activities, as the added cost and process may impact travel plans.

The U.S. has been rolling out the bond requirement gradually. Initially launched for 38 countries, the pilot program is now extended to a total of 50 countries. Tourists and business travelers must understand that the bond will not guarantee visa issuance, but it is an additional step for those deemed to be at risk of overstaying their visas. Countries with higher visa overstay rates are more likely to see their nationals required to post a bond.

How the U.S. Visa Bond Program Works

Under the U.S. visa bond program, nationals from certain countries must post a bond when applying for a B1/B2 visa. The bond amount varies, with potential amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The bond is refundable if the traveler leaves the U.S. on time, does not overstay their visa, and complies with all terms of their visa.

The process for posting the bond involves submitting Form I-352 from the Department of Homeland Security and paying through Pay.gov, the U.S. Treasury’s official platform. Applicants must avoid third-party websites, as payments made through unofficial channels are non-refundable.

The U.S. Department of State has made it clear that visa applicants subject to the bond requirement must enter the U.S. via commercial airports and are prohibited from using land, sea borders, or charter flights. Travelers who do not comply with these requirements may face penalties, including potential denial of entry.

Countries Added to the U.S. Visa Bond Program

Effective April 2, 2026, the following 12 countries will join the U.S. visa bond program, bringing the total number of affected nations to 50:

These countries join others that have been part of the program since earlier dates, including nations like Algeria, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, which have been subject to the bond requirement since January 2026 or earlier.

Why Is the U.S. Implementing This Measure?

The U.S. Department of State’s primary goal with the visa bond program is to reduce visa overstays, a growing concern highlighted in the Department of Homeland Security’s annual Entry/Exit Overstay Report. By introducing this bond requirement, the U.S. aims to ensure that travelers from countries with high overstay rates comply with their visa terms and return home as scheduled.

The Department of State has stated that the program has already contributed to a decrease in overstay rates. By expanding the program to cover more countries, the U.S. government hopes to further reduce the number of individuals remaining in the U.S. beyond the allowed time frame.

Impact on U.S. Tourism and Travel

This expanded visa bond program may have mixed effects on U.S. tourism. While some travelers may be deterred by the additional financial requirement, others may still find the U.S. a desirable destination for business and leisure. The U.S. remains one of the top destinations for global tourists, known for its diverse attractions, from the beaches of Florida to the cultural landmarks of New York City and the natural beauty of national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

However, the increased bond requirements could influence the decision-making process for travelers from affected countries. Potential tourists and business professionals may need to budget accordingly and consider the bond as part of the overall cost of their U.S. visit.

Conclusion:

With the expansion of the U.S. visa bond program to 50 countries, tourists and business travelers from 12 additional nations will face the requirement to post a bond when applying for B1/B2 visas. This program is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to reduce visa overstays and improve border security. While the bond is refundable, it adds an extra step in the visa application process for travelers planning to visit the U.S. Whether it will significantly impact tourism remains to be seen, but it is clear that the U.S. is taking proactive steps to address overstay concerns.