Mozambique Now Stands with Georgia and More as US Moves to Make Visa Bond Program Permanent for Fifty Countries to Prevent Overstays and Strengthen National Security, Impacting Travelers Globally

Written By: Debomita Dutta

Debomita Dutta

As a debater, researcher and writer I have always been passionate about making complex global developments accessible, accurate and impactful. It has always been my aim to combine a strong analytic approach with incredible storytelling - and here at Travel and Tour World I get to do just that! Bridging research, public discourse and meaningful communication through informed and engaging narratives.

See Full Bio

August 2, 2026 6:36 PM

Image generated with Ai

Starting August 3, 2026, the US Department of State, along with DHS and the Treasury, will start enforcing a new rule: if you’re applying for a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa from one of 50 listed countries including Mozambique, Georgia, Cambodia, Cuba and others, you’ll have to pay a refundable bond. Depending on your situation, it’s either $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. You’ll find all the details in 22 CFR Part 41 (Federal Register Doc. 2026-15726). According to the official numbers, this program worked during its trial run. Overstays dropped fast, going from 44,000 down to fewer than 50.

This guide breaks down how the regulation works, which countries are on the list, how to handle the bond payment through Pay.gov, and what all this means for international travelers.

Key Takeaways on the US Visa Bond Program

What Is the Permanent US Nonimmigrant Visa Bond Rule?

The US Department of State, alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of the Treasury, has established a permanent regulation requiring temporary business and tourism visa applicants from fifty designated nations to post refundable financial bonds of up to $20,000 before entry credentials are issued.

Operating under federal authority codified in 22 CFR Part 41, this permanent rule replaces prior temporary pilot frameworks. The policy serves three core objectives:

• Mitigate overstay rates: Discourages temporary visitors from exceeding their authorized period of stay.
• Streamline verification: Enhances international identity cross-checking and civil registry integration.
• Fortify national security: Establishes a direct, enforceable financial mechanism that guarantees compliance with US border departure regulations.

Important Scope Note: This regulation strictly applies to short-term B-1 and B-2 visitor visas. It does not affect foreign students (F-1/M-1), temporary employment visa holders (H-1B, L-1, O-1), diplomatic personnel (A/G categories), or permanent immigrant visa applications.

How the $20,000 Visa Bond Financial Mechanism Works

Consular officers evaluating B-1/B-2 visa applications at US embassies and consulates maintain sole discretion to determine whether an applicant must post a bond as a condition of visa issuance.

1. Mandatory Financial Tiers

Under the finalized rule, previous lower-tier $5,000 bond options have been eliminated. Consular officers select from three higher baseline tiers:

• $10,000 Minimum Baseline: Applied in low-risk scenarios with strong proof of financial ties.
• $15,000 Standard Default: The default assessment tier applied to most designated applicants.
• $20,000 Maximum Security Ceiling: Reserved for applicants requiring maximum departure guarantees.

2. Official Treasury Payment Protocol

Cash deposits cannot be handled at overseas consular posts. All transactions must occur through verified federal channels:

• Payments must be made electronically in US Dollars through Pay.gov.
• Payments require the submission of DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond).
• Bonds may be paid by the applicant or a verified third-party obligor (a family member, employer, or legal representative).

Complete Country Eligibility Matrix: All 50 Impacted Nations

Federal criteria designate jurisdictions based on nonimmigrant visa overstay statistics published in DHS annual entry-exit overstay reports, deficiencies in passport security, or national security screening indicators.

Notice: Updates to this country matrix are published dynamically on travel.state.gov. Federal rules mandate a 15-day public notice period prior to adding new countries, while removals take effect immediately.

How to Get Your Visa Bond Refunded: Full Compliance vs. Forfeiture

The financial bond functions purely as a compliance guarantee and is not a processing fee. Held in dedicated US Treasury accounts, bond funds remain fully protected until the terms of admission are fulfilled.

Conditions Guarantees for 100% Bond Return

A full refund of the principal amount is triggered automatically when any of the following events occur:

• Verified Timely Departure: The visa holder exits the US. on or before the departure date authorized on their I-94 record, as logged by CBP automated departure systems.
• Non-Travel Cancellation: The visa holder chooses not to travel to the US, and the visa foil expires unused.
• Approved USCIS Status Change: The visitor secures an official extension of stay or change of nonimmigrant status directly from US Citizenship and Immigration Services prior to their authorized stay expiring.

Actions Resulting in Total Forfeiture

A bond is declared officially breached, resulting in the complete loss of all deposited funds to the US Treasury, if the visitor:

• Overstays their authorized period of admission without a pending USCIS application.
• Engages in unauthorized employment or breaches the terms of nonimmigrant status.
• Fails to depart through a recognized CBP preclearance or automated international port of entry.

Step-by-Step Guide for B-1/B-2 Visa Applicants and Obligors

1. Complete Standard Application: Fill out Form DS-160, pay the standard nonimmigrant visa processing fee, and attend the interview at a US embassy or consulate.
2. Receive Conditional Notification: If approved subject to a bond, the consular officer will provide formal written instructions identifying the required bond amount ($10,000, $15,000, or $20,000).
3. Execute Payment via Pay.gov: The designated obligor accesses the official U.S. Treasury portal, completes Form I-352, and submits the required funds via electronic bank transfer or approved payment methods.
4. Visa Issuance: Once the US Treasury confirms receipt of funds, the consular post completes final administrative processing and affixes the physical visa foil to the traveler’s passport.
5. Entry and Departure: The traveler enters and departs the US strictly through commercial international airports featuring automated CBP entry-exit verification capabilities to ensure seamless refund processing upon exit.

In conclusion, Mozambique joins Georgia and other countries as the US looks to make its Visa Bond Program permanent for about fifty nations. The plan? Stop people from overstaying and tighten up national security, which affects travelers all over the world. Instead of just testing things out, the US will lock this into law under the 22 CFR Part 41 rules. That means anyone visiting on a B-1 or B-2 visa from these countries could have to put up a bond of up to $20,000. It’s basically a way to make sure visitors follow the rules—and it really sets a tough standard for traveling internationally.