The U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond program, adding Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania to the list, effective October 23, 2025. The program requires citizens of these nations, as well as those of The Gambia (effective October 11, 2025), to post a bond when applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visitor visas. Malawi and Zambia were previously included, both effective since August 20, 2025.
This initiative is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR). Launched on August 20, 2025, it is set to continue until August 5, 2026, with periodic reviews to update the list of targeted countries.
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