USA will require visa deposits for citizens of 13 countries from 2025 and 2026

The US government announced the implementation of a new immigration requirement that requires citizens from 13 countries to deposit a financial deposit to obtain a tourism and business visa (B1/B2). The measure is part of a pilot program provided for in Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and regulated by a Temporary Final Rule (TFR).

According to the Department of State, the decision was based on rates of illegal stay after visa expiration, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Illegal Entry/Exit Report.

Affected countries and implementation dates

The requirement comes into force on different dates, depending on the traveler’s country of origin:

Starting August 20, 2025

– Malawi;

– Zambia;

From October 11, 2025

– Gambia;

From October 23, 2025

– Mauritania;

– São Tomé and Príncipe;

– Tanzania;

From January 1, 2026

– Bhutan;

– Botswana;

– Central African Republic;

– Guinea;

– Guinea-Bissau;

– Namibia;

– Turkmenistan;

How the visa deposit works

Citizens of these countries who are considered eligible for the B1/B2 visa may be required to deposit a deposit in the amount of:

– US$ 5.000;

– US$ 10.000;

– US$ 15.000;

The exact amount is defined during the consular interview, based on the applicant’s individual assessment.

In addition, the applicant must complete Form I-352, from the Department of Homeland Security, and formally accept the terms of the bond through the official Pay.gov platform, administered by the US Department of the Treasury.

Attention:

– Payment should only be made after direct guidance from a consular officer;

– Anyone who pays fees without authorization will not be entitled to a refund;

– The US government is not responsible for amounts paid on third-party websites;

– The deposit does not guarantee the issuance of the visa;

Mandatory ports of entry

As a condition of depositing the security deposit, affected travelers must enter and exit the United States exclusively through one of the following airports:

– Boston – Logan International Airport (BOS);

– New York – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK);

– Washington – Dulles International Airport (IAD);

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in refusal of entry, problems with exit registration or other immigration penalties.

Inspection and fulfillment of the deposit

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will monitor compliance and refer cases in which a bond violation is suspected to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Situations that may constitute non-compliance include:

• Leaving the USA after the authorized deadline;

• Remaining in the country without registered departure;

• Request for change of immigration status, including request for asylum;

If the violation is confirmed, the deposit amount may not be returned, in addition to generating negative impacts on future visa applications.

What changes in practice

Experts point out that the measure represents a selective tightening of migration policy, focusing on countries that historically have higher rates of irregular stay. At the same time, the US government highlights that this is a pilot program, which may be adjusted, expanded or terminated depending on the results.

For travelers from the listed countries, the recommendation is to plan in advance, strictly follow consular guidelines and fully comply with visa deadlines and conditions.

*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.