Applying for a US tourist or business visa from the UAE? If you travel on a passport issued by one of the countries currently covered by the US Visa Bond Program and are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must post a potentially refundable bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 before the visa can be issued, unless the bond requirement is waived under the program’s limited waiver authority.
For UAE residents, one of the most important points is that UAE residence by itself does not determine whether the visa-bond requirement applies. The passport and nationality criteria under the program, the visa category, and any other applicable US entry or visa restrictions must also be considered.
The US Department of State made the Visa Bond Program permanent through a final rule effective 3 August 2026. The Department’s official list of countries subject to visa bonds was most recently updated on 2 October 2026. U.S. Department of State – Countries Subject to Visa Bonds Federal Register – Visa Bond Program Final Rule
This guide explains which passports are affected, how much the bond can cost, how payment and refunds work, the special travel conditions attached to bonded visas, and what UAE-based applicants should check before applying.
US Visa Bond at a Glance
| Question | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Is the Visa Bond Program permanent? | Yes. The permanent final rule became effective on 3 August 2026. |
| Which visas are covered? | B-1, B-2 and combined B-1/B-2 visitor visas under the program. |
| How much is the bond? | $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. |
| Who decides the amount? | The consular officer determines the amount based on the applicant’s circumstances. |
| Does applying from the UAE avoid the requirement? | No. The requirement applies regardless of the place of application when the applicant falls within the program. |
| Is the bond a visa fee? | No. It is a potentially refundable cash bond, subject to compliance with its terms and the applicable cancellation conditions. |
| Does paying the bond guarantee a visa? | No. The applicant must remain otherwise eligible for the visa. |
| Is UAE residence enough to determine whether it applies? | No. The relevant passport/nationality criteria and visa category must be considered. |
What Is the US Visa Bond?
A US visa bond is a potentially refundable cash bond required as a condition of visa issuance for certain B-1/B-2 applicants covered by the Visa Bond Program, unless the requirement is waived.
The purpose of the bond is to encourage compliance with US immigration rules, particularly the requirement to maintain lawful nonimmigrant status and leave the United States within the authorized period.
The current permanent program follows the Visa Bond Pilot Program launched in August 2025. The permanent final rule became effective on 3 August 2026 and provides three bond levels: $10,000, $15,000 and $20,000. Read the Visa Bond Program final rule
The list of covered countries can change. Under the final rule, additions are announced at least 15 days before the program begins for a newly added country, while removals can take effect immediately.
Do UAE Residents Have to Pay the US Visa Bond?
Not simply because they live in the UAE.
A UAE residence visa, Emirates ID or long-term residence status does not by itself determine whether the US visa-bond requirement applies.
For example:
| Passport held by a UAE resident | On the 2 October 2026 visa-bond list? | General position |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Yes | An otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicant is subject to the visa-bond requirement |
| Nepal | Yes | An otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicant is subject to the visa-bond requirement |
| Nigeria | Yes | An otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicant is subject to the visa-bond requirement, but separate US visa-suspension rules must also be checked |
| Ethiopia | Yes | An otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicant is subject to the visa-bond requirement |
| Georgia | Yes | An otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicant is subject to the visa-bond requirement |
| India | No | The current country-based Visa Bond Program does not apply on the basis of an Indian passport |
| Pakistan | No | The current country-based Visa Bond Program does not apply on the basis of a Pakistani passport |
| Philippines | No | The current country-based Visa Bond Program does not apply on the basis of a Philippine passport |
| Sri Lanka | No | The current country-based Visa Bond Program does not apply on the basis of a Sri Lankan passport |
| Egypt | No | The current country-based Visa Bond Program does not apply on the basis of an Egyptian passport |
| United Arab Emirates | No | Emirati passports are not currently on the listed-country page |
The country list can change, so applicants should check the official State Department list again close to the date of application.
Dual nationals should also confirm which passport they will use for the visa application and travel, particularly where separate US visa-suspension rules may apply.
Which Countries Are Subject to the US Visa Bond in 2026?
As of the State Department’s 2 October 2026 update, the Visa Bond Program covers 50 countries. Check the current official visa-bond country list
The countries are: Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Being on this list does not by itself guarantee that a B-1/B-2 visa can be issued. The applicant must first be otherwise eligible, and separate US visa restrictions may also apply.
Important: 19 Visa-Bond Countries Also Face B-1/B-2 Visa-Issuance Restrictions
There is an important additional rule that applicants should not overlook.
Effective 1 January 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 fully or partially suspended visa issuance for nationals of a number of countries, subject to specified exceptions. The State Department’s implementation guidance says B-1/B-2 visa issuance is partially suspended for nationals of 19 countries that also appear on the current Visa Bond Program list. U.S. Department of State – Suspension of Visa Issuance Guidance
The proclamation’s scope is important: PP 10998 applies to designated foreign nationals who were outside the United States and did not hold a valid visa at 12:01 a.m. EST on 1 January 2026, subject to its exceptions and case-by-case provisions. The State Department says people holding valid visas at that time are not subject to PP 10998, and those visas were not revoked pursuant to the proclamation. This does not guarantee admission or remove other applicable immigration requirements.
Those 19 overlapping countries are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This distinction is important. Being on the visa-bond list does not mean that paying a bond automatically makes a B-1/B-2 visa available.
For nationals affected by the proclamation, the separate visa-issuance suspension must first be considered. Where an applicant qualifies under an applicable exception and is otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa, the Visa Bond Program may then become relevant.
Applicants from these countries should therefore review both the Visa Bond Program and the current proclamation/suspension guidance before making travel plans or assuming that posting a bond will result in visa issuance.
How Much Is the US Visa Bond?
The permanent program provides three possible bond amounts:
| Bond amount | Illustrative AED equivalent |
|---|---|
| $10,000 | Approximately AED 36,725 |
| $15,000 | Approximately AED 55,088 |
| $20,000 | Approximately AED 73,450 |
Illustrative AED equivalents are calculated at AED 3.6725 per US dollar. The bond itself must be paid in US dollars, and applicants or third-party payers are responsible for exchange-rate differences, bank charges and other applicable payment costs.
The final rule indicates that consular officers are generally expected to set the bond at $15,000, unless the applicant’s circumstances support a $10,000 or $20,000 bond.
Factors considered may include the applicant’s purpose of travel, employment, income, skills, education and contacts in the United States. Federal Register – Bond Amount Rules
Older articles about the 2025–2026 pilot may mention bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. Those were the pilot-program levels. Under the permanent program effective from August 2026, the levels are $10,000, $15,000 and $20,000.
How Does the US Visa Bond Process Work?
Apply for the B-1/B-2 visa normally
Applicants should follow the normal US visitor-visa application process and should not attempt to pay a bond in advance.
Attend the visa interview
During the interview, the consular officer determines whether the applicant is otherwise eligible for the requested visa and whether the applicant falls within the Visa Bond Program.
If the bond requirement applies, the officer will tell the applicant the required amount.
The application is refused under section 221(g) while the bond is arranged
The correct procedure is important:
The visa application is refused under INA section 221(g) pending posting of the required bond. That refusal may be overcome once the bond is posted and the applicant remains otherwise eligible. Federal Register – Visa Bond Procedure
A 221(g) refusal at this stage therefore does not necessarily mean the case has reached a final negative outcome. The applicant must follow the official instructions for posting the bond.
Wait for official payment instructions
Applicants should not search for a visa-bond payment website or send money before receiving instructions from the consular section.
The applicant receives written or electronic notification with the official payment instructions and link to the Visa Bond Program payment platform.
The bond is processed electronically through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov system, together with the DHS bond form supplied through the official consular workflow. Payment options can vary depending on the payer’s location, and settlement may take multiple business days.
Visa processing continues after the bond is posted
Once the bond has been successfully posted, the consular section can continue processing the application.
Posting the bond does not by itself guarantee issuance. The consular officer must still determine that the applicant remains otherwise eligible for the visa.
Can Someone Else Pay the US Visa Bond?
Yes. The bond can be paid by the applicant or by a third party, such as a family member, friend or business associate.
The person posting the bond is known as the obligor. If the bond is later cancelled and refundable, the bond proceeds are returned to the obligor, subject to applicable rules.
There is an important naming requirement:
The obligor named on the bond form must match the person making the payment. U.S. Department of State – Official Visa Bond Guidance
Applicants using a third-party payer should therefore make sure the payer details are correct before completing the bond process.
Does Paying the Bond Guarantee a US Visa?
No.
The visa bond is a condition of issuance for covered applicants, not a guarantee of approval.
Even after the bond is posted, the consular officer must determine that the applicant remains eligible for the requested B-1/B-2 visa.
Similarly, receiving a visa does not guarantee admission to the United States. Admission is determined by US Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
What Travel Conditions Come With a Bonded Visa?
A visa issued under the Visa Bond Program comes with additional conditions that travellers need to understand before booking their itinerary.
Entry and final departure generally must be by commercial air
Bonded visa holders must enter and depart the United States through commercial airports of entry, including eligible CBP preclearance locations.
The program does not normally permit bonded travellers to use charter aviation, general aviation, land or sea ports for the required entry and ultimate departure.
The final rule contains a limited provision concerning certain travel to contiguous territories where automatic visa revalidation rules apply, but the traveller’s ultimate departure abroad must still take place through a commercial US airport.
This means travellers planning cruises, land-border trips or unusual flight arrangements should check the conditions carefully before making reservations. Federal Register – Visa Bond Travel Conditions
The bonded visa may have limited validity
Depending on the applicable visa reciprocity schedule, a visa issued under the program may be valid for three months with a single entry, three months with multiple entries, or up to 12 months with multiple entries.
The visa will also carry an annotation showing that a visa bond was posted.
Visa validity should not be confused with the period the traveller is actually authorized to remain in the United States. The authorized period of stay is determined by US immigration authorities, including CBP at entry and, where relevant, USCIS.
When Is the US Visa Bond Refunded?
The bond principal can be returned when the traveller complies with the applicable bond conditions and the bond is cancelled.
Under the permanent rule, qualifying circumstances include cases where the traveller never uses the visa and it expires; has left the United States on time through the required commercial-air channel, complied with the visa terms and is outside the United States when the visa expires; leaves on time after the visa expires during a lawful stay; is found inadmissible by CBP and the visa is cancelled at the port of entry; or receives an approved extension or change of status and later departs within the authorized period while complying with the applicable conditions. Federal Register – Bond Cancellation and Return Rules
For a compliant traveller who leaves the United States while the bonded visa remains valid, automatic cancellation generally occurs upon visa expiration, once government records confirm that the traveller is outside the United States, departed through the required commercial-air channel and complied with the conditions.
The refund should not be treated as an instant transaction. The final rule does not establish a fixed refund-processing deadline for every case. The financial agent returns the proceeds after the relevant government systems confirm that the cancellation conditions have been satisfied.
The principal is generally returned in US dollars to the original form of payment, unless the payment system provides otherwise. No interest accrues on the bond. The payer is responsible for exchange-rate differences and receiving-bank or other applicable fees.
Returned funds may also be subject to applicable US Treasury offset or levy mechanisms.
What if the traveller never travels but wants the bond cancelled early?
A visa holder who has not travelled and wants to cancel the bond before the visa expires may request an appointment with consular officials outside the United States.
The consular officer must confirm that the visa was not used and physically cancel the visa before early bond cancellation can proceed.
What Can Cause the Visa Bond to Be Forfeited?
The entire bond can be forfeited if the visa holder substantially violates the terms and conditions of the bond.
Examples under the permanent rule include substantially violating a condition of the traveller’s nonimmigrant status, remaining in the United States beyond the authorized period, filing an untimely request for an extension of stay, filing an untimely request for a change of status, or filing Form I-589 for asylum or another form of humanitarian protection covered by that form.
There is also an important 10-day condition. If a traveller timely and properly files a request for an extension of stay or change of status but that request is denied, failure to leave the United States within 10 days after the denial can constitute a violation of the bond terms. Federal Register – Visa Bond Breach Conditions
The 10-day period is a bond-breach condition; it does not independently grant ten additional days of lawful immigration status. Authorized stay and immigration status remain governed by the applicable DHS rules.
A timely request for an extension or change of status is not automatically a bond breach if handled in accordance with the rules. However, the final rule states that USCIS may consider the existence of a visa bond as a negative discretionary factor when adjudicating such a request.
DHS is responsible for making the final determination on a bond breach, and appeal rights are governed by the applicable DHS instructions and regulations.
Can the US Visa Bond Be Waived?
There is no application process through which a visa applicant can simply request a bond waiver.
The final rule gives senior State Department officials authority to waive the requirement for an individual, country or category of travellers when the required standard is met.
Consular officers may recommend waivers in very limited circumstances involving significant national or humanitarian interests, with examples in the final rule including certain US government-related travel and urgent humanitarian needs.
Applicants should therefore not assume that financial difficulty by itself creates a standard waiver route. Federal Register – Limited Visa Bond Waiver Process
Does the Visa Bond Apply to Student or Work Visas?
The permanent Visa Bond Program described here is limited to B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants.
It does not make F student visas, J exchange visas, H employment visas or other nonimmigrant categories part of this specific country-based Visa Bond Program.
Applicants should still check the separate rules that apply to their own visa category.
Avoid Unofficial Visa-Bond Payment Websites
Applicants should never pay a visa bond simply because a website, agent, social-media account or email claims that payment is required.
The State Department specifically instructs applicants to post the bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so. The applicant will receive the official payment instructions and payment link through the proper process. Official State Department Visa Bond Instructions
Do not send $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 to an agent claiming they can “activate” a bond, secure approval or speed up a US visa.
A legitimate visa bond also does not allow an agent to guarantee visa issuance.
What Should UAE-Based Applicants Prepare?
Before applying, UAE residents should first confirm whether the passport they will use appears on the current State Department visa-bond list and whether any separate US visa-issuance or entry restrictions apply to their nationality.
They should also prepare their B-1/B-2 application in the normal way, keep evidence supporting the genuine purpose and temporary nature of the trip, and be financially prepared for the possibility of a $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 bond if they fall within the program.
Applicants should not transfer bond money before receiving official consular instructions. If a third party will pay, the payer and obligor details must match correctly. Travellers should also plan an itinerary that complies with the commercial-air entry and departure conditions attached to the bond.
Because the covered-country list can be amended on a rolling basis, applicants should check the official rules again shortly before their interview and before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all UAE residents applying for a US tourist visa need a bond?
No. UAE residence alone does not create the requirement. The country-based program applies to covered B-1/B-2 applicants who meet the relevant passport/nationality criteria and are otherwise eligible for the visa.
Can I avoid the bond by applying for my US visa in the UAE?
No. For applicants covered by the program, the requirement applies regardless of the place of application.
Do Indian passport holders living in the UAE currently need a US visa bond?
India is not on the State Department’s 2 October 2026 Visa Bond Program list. Therefore, the current country-based program does not apply on the basis of an Indian passport. Applicants should still check the latest official list before applying because it can change.
Do Bangladeshi passport holders living in the UAE need a visa bond?
Bangladesh is on the current list. A Bangladeshi national travelling on a Bangladeshi passport who is otherwise eligible for a covered B-1/B-2 visa is subject to the Visa Bond Program.
Do Nepalese passport holders living in the UAE need a visa bond?
Nepal is on the current list. An otherwise eligible covered B-1/B-2 applicant travelling on a Nepalese passport is therefore subject to the bond requirement.
Do Nigerian passport holders living in the UAE need a visa bond?
Nigeria is on the Visa Bond Program list. However, Nigeria is also one of the countries affected by the separate B-1/B-2 visa-issuance suspension under Presidential Proclamation 10998. Applicants must first check whether they fall within the proclamation’s scope and, if so, whether an applicable exception or case-specific determination permits issuance. PP 10998 does not apply to people who held a valid visa at 12:01 a.m. EST on 1 January 2026, and those visas were not revoked pursuant to the proclamation. Posting a bond does not override a suspension. Check the State Department’s visa-suspension guidance
How much is the US visa bond in 2026?
The permanent program uses three bond levels: $10,000, $15,000 and $20,000. The consular officer determines the amount based on the applicant’s circumstances.
Is the US visa bond refundable?
Yes, the bond principal can be returned when the bond is cancelled after the traveller satisfies the applicable conditions. For a compliant traveller who returns home while the bonded visa is still valid, automatic cancellation generally depends on the visa expiring and government confirmation of departure and compliance. The rule does not promise an immediate refund or a fixed processing deadline.
Can someone else pay my US visa bond?
Yes. A third party can pay the bond. However, the person making the payment is the obligor who receives the refund, and the obligor named on the bond form must match the person making the payment.
Does paying $20,000 guarantee that my US visa will be approved?
No. Paying a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and a visa itself does not guarantee admission to the United States.
Can I enter the United States through Canada or Mexico by land with a bonded visa?
Bonded travellers are generally required to enter and ultimately depart through commercial airports of entry, including eligible CBP preclearance locations. Land and sea ports are not the normal permitted channels under the bond conditions. Travellers considering trips to contiguous territories should check the limited automatic-revalidation provisions and their specific visa conditions before travelling.
Does the bond apply to US student or employment visas?
Not under this permanent country-based Visa Bond Program. The program is limited to covered B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants.
Planning a US Visit From the UAE?
US visa rules have become more complex for some nationalities, particularly where the Visa Bond Program overlaps with separate visa-issuance restrictions.
Travel Link Relocation can assist UAE-based travellers with visa application support and document review for selected destinations.
Visa issuance, bond requirements, waivers, entry decisions and immigration decisions are made solely by the relevant US government authorities. Travel Link Relocation cannot influence or guarantee the outcome of a visa application.
Background: From the Visa Bond Pilot to the Permanent Program
The Visa Bond Pilot Program began on 20 August 2025.
The permanent Visa Bond Program final rule became effective on 3 August 2026, establishing the program on a permanent basis. The rule is published as 91 FR 48757. Federal Register – Visas: Visa Bond Program, 91 FR 48757
Under the permanent system, countries can be added or removed on a rolling basis. New additions require at least 15 days’ notice before implementation, while removals can take effect immediately.
Last Reviewed
Last reviewed: 5 October 2026.
US visa rules, presidential restrictions and the list of countries subject to visa bonds can change. Travellers should confirm the latest requirements on official US government websites or with the relevant US embassy or consulate before applying or travelling.
Official Sources
| Official source | Link |
|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State – Countries Subject to Visa Bonds | View official country list and bond guidance |
| U.S. Department of State – Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals | View proclamation implementation guidance |
| Federal Register – Visas: Visa Bond Program, 91 FR 48757 | View permanent Visa Bond Program final rule |
| GovInfo – Official Federal Register PDF | View official PDF |
| U.S. Department of State – U.S. Visas News | View latest US visa announcements |
This article is for general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. Visa and immigration requirements can change, and individual circumstances may affect eligibility.