US demands up to $20,000 visa bond from 50 countries; India left out

The US Department of State has introduced a visa-bond program, designating nationalities from 50 countries to require financial guarantees of up to $20,000 for tourist and business visas. South Asian nations such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are among those covered. The program operates under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 221(g)(3), which allows consular officers to require a visa bond before issuing a visa.

Applicants must post a bond of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, depending on the amount of risk they pose, as determined at the time of the visa interview. The Department of Homeland Security's entry/exit overstay report determines the visa overstay rates used to assess eligibility. Applicants must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and can pay the required amount through the Department of the Treasury's online payment platform, Pay.gov.

The US has warned applicants against posting the bond on unofficial websites and stated that the administration will not be responsible for any money paid outside of its systems. India's passport holders have been exempted from this requirement, with the US showing Nepal and Bangladesh facing the mandate since January 21, while Bhutan started in January.