The Trump administration has significantly increased the number of countries whose passport holders must post bail, reaching as high as $15,000, in order to seek entry into the United States.
Just days after adding seven nations to the existing list, which brought the total to 13, the State Department announced 25 more countries will join this requirement on Tuesday.
A notice on travel.state.gov reveals that these new deposit requirements will be implemented starting January 21st.
This change brings the total to 38 countries affected, largely from Africa, but also including a few from Latin America and Asia, complicating the visa application process for many individuals.
This is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing strategy to tighten entry regulations. Among other measures, all visa-requiring travelers must now undergo in-person interviews and submit extensive records about social media use and family travel histories.
U.S. officials argue that these bail bonds, which can vary from $5,000 to $15,000, are effective in discouraging visa holders from overstaying their limits.
However, paying this deposit does not guarantee a visa will be granted. If a visa application is denied or if the holder complies with visa terms, the deposit is refundable.
As of January 21, the countries subject to these new deposit requirements include Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
The full list also encompasses Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, and Zambia.
