The United States will soon require travelers from several countries — including a number in the Caribbean — to pay a refundable visa bond before entering the country on short-term visitor visas.
According to the U.S. State Department, nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Cuba will be subject to the new requirement beginning January 21, 2026, under a pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstays.
The bond applies to travelers who qualify for a B1/B2 visa, which covers tourism, family visits and business travel. While applicants may still be approved for a visa, they will first have to post a bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000, depending on their individual case.
What is a visa bond?
A visa bond is essentially a security deposit paid to the U.S. government. If the traveler follows the rules — including leaving the U.S. on time — the money is returned automatically. If the traveler overstays or violates visa conditions, the bond can be forfeited.
U.S. officials say the countries selected for the program have higher rates of visa overstays, based on Department of Homeland Security data.
How the process works
The bond is not paid upfront. A U.S. consular officer must first instruct the applicant to post it during the visa interview. Payments are made only through the U.S. government’s official platform, Pay.gov, using a Department of Homeland Security form known as Form I-352.
Officials warn travelers not to use third-party websites, noting that payments made outside official systems are not protected or refundable.
Importantly, paying the bond does not guarantee a visa will be approved. If someone pays without being directed by a consular officer, the money will not be returned.
Limited U.S. airports for entry and exit
As part of the bond conditions, affected travelers must enter and leave the U.S. through one of three airports:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
Boston Logan International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport
Failing to use these airports could result in denied entry or problems documenting departure, which could jeopardize the bond refund.
When the bond is refunded
The bond will be automatically canceled and refunded if:
The traveler leaves the U.S. on or before their authorized stay ends
The traveler never uses the visa
The traveler is denied entry at a U.S. airport
When the bond can be lost
The bond may be forfeited if the traveller overstays, fails to leave the U.S., or attempts to change immigration status — including applying for asylum — while in the country.
While the list of countries includes nations across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the inclusion of the three Caribbean-linked countries is expected to raise concerns among travelers, families and businesses with close ties to the United States.
The State Department says the visa bond requirement is part of a temporary pilot program, though no end date has been announced.
For Caribbean travellers planning U.S. trips in 2026, immigration experts advise paying close attention to visa interview instructions and travel rules to avoid costly mistakes.
caribbeannationalweekly.com
