In a move that immigration advocates say effectively builds a “wealth wall” around the United States, the Trump administration on Tuesday nearly tripled the list of countries subject to a controversial visa bond program.
The updated list, released by the State Department, adds 25 more countries, including some of Africa’s most populous nations like Nigeria and Algeria.
Under the program, visitors seeking to enter the U.S. for business or tourism may be required to pay a refundable deposit of up to $15,000—a sum that exceeds the annual per capita income of many of the targeted nations.
The Rising Cost of Entry
The expansion marks a significant escalation of a pilot program launched in August 2025.
With the latest additions, 38 countries are now subject to the requirement, with more than 30 located on the African continent.
The policy targets countries with high visa overstay rates, requiring applicants to post bonds in three tiers:
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $15,000
Africa in the Crosshairs
The impact on the African continent is particularly acute. According to recent analysis, more than 60% of African nationals now face some form of travel restriction, full ban, or high-cost visa bond to visit the U.S.
The list of nations now includes economic hubs like Nigeria, Angola, and Senegal, as well as countries already struggling with internal instability.
For many families in these regions, the $15,000 deposit—which must be paid through the Treasury’s portal before a visa is even guaranteed—is an insurmountable barrier.
A Hardened Border
Critics argue the bonds are less about overstay rates and more about a broader agenda to limit migration from the Global South.
The new requirements for the latest 25 countries—including Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Bangladesh—are set to take effect on January 21, 2026. This coincides with other recent measures, including mandatory in-person interviews for all applicants and the disclosure of five years of social media history.
| Key Implementation Dates | Countries Added |
| Aug – Oct 2025 | Malawi, Zambia, The Gambia, Tanzania |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Bhutan, Botswana, Namibia, Turkmenistan |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Nigeria, Algeria, Uganda, Venezuela, and 21 others |
As the pilot program continues through August 2026, the administration will monitor whether the bonds successfully reduce overstay rates.
However, for the millions of travelers across Africa now looking at a $15,000 price tag for a visit, the “Land of the Free” has never felt more out of reach.
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This article was edited with AI and reviewed by human editors
