Cover image via Mandel NGAN/AFP
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The US government has added seven more countries to the list whose citizens must post bonds of up to USD15,000 (RM61,000) to apply for visas to enter the country
The new additions, effective 1 January, include Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan. This brings the total number of countries on the list to 13, with most of them located in Africa.
Newly added, effective 1 January 2026:
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Central African Republic
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Namibia
- Turkmenistan
Previously on the list, added August–October 2025:
- Mauritania
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Tanzania
- Gambia
- Malawi
- Zambia
The bond requirement is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to tighten entry rules for certain nationals
Under the policy, visa applicants must pay a bond ranging from USD5,000 to USD15,000, although payment does not guarantee approval.
Bonds are refunded if the visa is denied or if the holder complies with the terms of the visa.
US officials say the bonds are meant to ensure that visitors from these countries do not overstay their visas, reported AP.
The administration has also continued other measures, including in-person interviews for visa applicants from all countries that require visas, as well as the disclosure of years of social media histories and detailed personal and family travel information.
