The United States has named 50 countries whose citizens must post bonds of up to 20,000 dollars for tourist and business visas. The State Department released the updated list on October 3. India is exempt from the requirement.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan are on the list. Under the programme, applicants from listed countries must post a bond of 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000 dollars. A consular officer fixes the amount during the visa interview.

The rule covers B1 and B2 visas. It operates under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The programme began under a final rule that took effect on August 3, 2026.

Countries are picked using overstay data from the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry-Exit Overstay Report. Nations with higher rates of visitors overstaying temporary visas are more likely to be listed. Nepal and Bangladesh have faced the mandate since January 21.

Bhutan was added from January 1. Other listed nations span Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Pacific. Applicants must file Form I-352 and pay through the Treasury’s Pay.gov system after a consular officer directs them to do so.