ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – The United States has made permanent its visa bond programme, with Antigua and Barbuda remaining among the countries whose nationals may be required to post refundable bonds before being issued certain non-immigrant visitor visas.
The new rule, announced on Friday by the U.S. Department of State, takes effect on August 3, 2026. It authorises U.S. consular officers to require selected applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas to post refundable bonds of US$10,000, US$15,000, or up to US$20,000.
The bond will be refunded if the traveller complies with the conditions of the visa, including departing the United States before the authorised period of stay expires. Individuals who do not travel after receiving the visa may also be eligible for a refund.
Antigua and Barbuda was first included in the programme earlier this year and remains one of only four Caribbean nations on the list, alongside Cuba, Dominica, and Grenada. The policy also applies to several countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The visa bond initiative was originally introduced as a pilot programme designed to reduce visa overstays and encourage greater compliance with U.S. immigration laws. According to the State Department, the pilot achieved its intended objectives, leading to the programme’s permanent implementation.
U.S. officials have emphasised that the bond requirement will not apply to all visa applicants. Instead, consular officers will continue to exercise discretion in determining whether an individual applicant meets the criteria for requiring a bond. The policy does not affect existing valid visas.
The permanent rule also increases the maximum bond amount from US$15,000 to US$20,000, while eliminating the previous minimum bond requirement of US$5,000.
Travellers planning to visit the United States are encouraged to consult the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa requirements and guidance before submitting an application.
