USA Visa Bond: The Quick Answer
The usa visa bond now applies to nationals of 50 countries, who may have to post a refundable bond of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 (approximately ₹8.8 lakh–₹17.6 lakh) to get a US tourist or business visa. India is NOT on that list. Indian passport holders applying for B1/B2 visas follow the normal process with no bond requirement — but the rule still matters for you if you hold another passport, travel with family members of other nationalities, or are reading alarming headlines that suggest otherwise.
The US State Department's revised list, published in early October 2026, expanded the programme that began as a small pilot in August 2025. It is now a permanent feature of the B1/B2 process, made permanent by a final rule effective 3 August 2026. Here is what it actually says.
Is USA Visa Bond Applicable for Indians?
No. India is explicitly excluded from the visa bond requirement. Indian nationals continue to apply for B1/B2 visas the usual way: DS-160 form, the $185 MRV application fee, biometrics, and the consular interview. No bond, no extra deposit, no change to the process.
Three of India's neighbours ARE on the list — Bangladesh and Nepal (added from 21 January 2026) and Bhutan (added from 1 January 2026). If you are an Indian resident travelling with family members who hold those passports, their applications may carry a bond requirement even though yours does not. The designation follows nationality, not where you live or where you apply.
How Much Is US Visa Bond in 2026?
For nationals of covered countries, the consular officer sets the bond at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 during the visa interview, based on the applicant's circumstances — purpose of travel, employment, income, and ties to home. The $15,000 tier is the default. The bond is separate from and additional to the $185 MRV fee, which is never refundable.
The bond is refundable if the traveller complies with all conditions: entering and departing only through commercial airports, not overstaying, and not filing for asylum or a late change of status while in the US. Breaching the conditions forfeits the full bond. Posting a bond never guarantees that a visa will be issued.
Which Countries Are on the US Visa Bond List?
The State Department designates countries based on B1/B2 overstay rates, information-sharing, and screening capacity. As of the current list, the 50 designated countries span Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific — including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. The list is revised on a rolling basis, so always check the current version on travel.state.gov before applying. Visa Waiver Program countries are excluded by definition.
US Visa Bond: How Payment Works (and the Scam Warning)
- A consular officer — and only a consular officer — decides whether a bond applies and at what amount, during the interview.
- If directed, the applicant pays through Pay.gov using DHS Form I-352. Never pay a bond before an officer tells you to.
- The State Department has warned applicants to beware of scams: anyone asking you to post a bond before your interview, or to pay on a third-party site, is defrauding you.
- Bonded travellers must enter and depart the US only via commercial airports, including CBP preclearance locations — no land crossings, seaports, charters, or general aviation.
Why Did the US Create the Visa Bond?
The stated goal is cutting visa overstays. During the pilot phase, the State Department reported that nearly 20,000 applicants fell under the bond requirement in the first year — far more than the ~2,000 expected — and that B1/B2 visa issuance to covered countries fell 83%, with fewer than 50 overstays recorded among bonded travellers. Whether the programme expands further or stays at 50 countries is a live question, which is one more reason to apply early if you have US travel plans.
What Indian Applicants Should Do Now
- Apply early: US visitor-visa interview waits in India remain long. Book your slot months ahead of intended travel.
- Ignore bond panic: No Indian applicant has to post a bond. If an agent asks you for one, walk away.
- Build a strong application: The interview still decides everything — clear purpose of travel, proof of funds, and strong ties to India matter most.
- Watch the list: Designations change. Recheck travel.state.gov before every application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USA visa bond applicable for Indians in 2026?
No. India is not among the 50 countries on the US visa bond list. Indian passport holders applying for B1/B2 visas do not have to post any bond.
How much is the US visa bond?
For nationals of covered countries, the bond is $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, set by the consular officer at the interview. The $15,000 tier is the default.
Is the US visa bond refundable?
Yes, if the traveller complies with all bond conditions — commercial-air entry and exit, no overstay, and no asylum or late status-change filing. Breaches forfeit the full bond.
Does posting a bond guarantee a US visa?
No. Posting a bond does not guarantee visa issuance. The consular officer still decides eligibility on the merits of the application.
Planning a US trip? Chat with us on WhatsApp — FlyingEasyGo handles the USA visa application process for customers end-to-end, from DS-160 filing and interview slots to flights and itinerary. More guides on FlyingEasyGo.com.