The U.S. is expanding its controversial visa bond program to 12 additional countries starting April 2, 2026 – with six African nations newly added to the list. Travelers from Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Tunisia will now need to post bonds of up to $15,000 for short-term business or tourism visas. 💼🌴
How it works: Approved applicants must pay a bond (typically $5K-$15K) before traveling. The money is refunded if they leave the U.S. on time – but forfeited if they overstay. The State Department claims 97% of bonded travelers complied with visa terms in 2025.
Other new countries include Cambodia, Georgia, and Nicaragua. This brings the total to 50 nations under the program – 18 of which are now in Africa. 🗺️
Why it’s divisive: Critics argue the policy unfairly targets lower-income travelers and could deter tourism. The administration defends it as a "national security necessity," citing efforts to reduce visa overstays.
With global travel rebounding post-pandemic, this move sparks fresh debates about balancing security and accessibility. 🤝 What’s your take? Let us know @NewspaperAmigo!
