Key facts
- The U.S. State Department is making a pilot visa bond program permanent.
- Citizens from 50 countries, primarily in Africa, are subject to the visa bond requirements.
- The maximum bond amount for U.S. visa applications has been increased to $20,000.
- The program aims to enforce visa compliance and reduce overstays.
- The State Department will offer limited-edition "patriot passports".
- These passports will feature Donald Trump's portrait.
- The passports will celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- The "patriot passports" will be available at 27 passport agencies nationwide.
- Availability begins next month.
- Specific in-person application days will be announced.
The U.S. State Department is implementing permanent visa bond requirements for citizens of 50 countries, predominantly in Africa. This program, initially a pilot, aims to enforce visa compliance and decrease the rate of visa overstays. The maximum bond amount has been increased to $20,000. This policy change affects individuals applying for U.S. visas from these specific nations.