Home » Latest Travel News » US Government Cracking Down on Visa Overstays and Birth Tourism in 2026 with New Policies Affecting Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cuba, Dominica, and Other Caribbean and African Countries Due to Major Entry Changes: Everything You Need to Know

Published on
January 13, 2026

In 2026, the U.S. government is implementing new policies aimed at cracking down on visa overstays and birth tourism, affecting travelers from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cuba, Dominica, and other Caribbean and African countries. These major entry changes, including the introduction of a Visa Bond Requirement, are part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to address persistent immigration issues. By imposing financial bonds on travelers from high-risk nations, the U.S. government seeks to ensure greater compliance with visa terms, reduce overstays, and curb birth tourism. These measures are designed to enhance border security and improve the integrity of the immigration system while still allowing legitimate travelers to visit the U.S.

US Visa Bond Program: A Bold Step to Prevent Visa Overstays and Birth Tourism

In a sweeping move to address some of the most pressing issues in U.S. immigration, the U.S. government has introduced the Visa Bond Requirement, a new policy that requires travelers from 38 specific countries to post a security bond when applying for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa. This measure, which will be effective from January 21, 2026, is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State to reduce visa overstays, curb controversial birth tourism practices, and increase compliance with immigration laws. This article delves into the details of this new program, its implications, and the reasons behind its implementation.

What is the US Visa Bond Program?

The U.S. Visa Bond Program requires travelers from 38 countries identified by the U.S. government as having high visa overstay rates to post a bond as part of their application for a B-1 or B-2 visa. The amount of the bond varies between $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the individual’s perceived risk of overstaying. This bond must be paid through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform, and applicants must submit Form I-352 along with the payment. The bond serves as a financial guarantee that the visa holder will comply with the terms of their visa, including leaving the U.S. within the allotted time.

It’s important to note that posting the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. The bond is only refundable if the visa holder adheres to the terms and conditions of their visa, including timely departure from the U.S. If the visa holder overstays or violates any visa terms, the bond will be forfeited. This creates a financial incentive for travelers to comply with immigration laws, aiming to reduce overstays—a growing problem for the U.S. immigration system.

Why Is the US Implementing the Visa Bond Program?

The Visa Bond Program is primarily designed to tackle two major issues: visa overstays and birth tourism. Both issues have become significant concerns for the U.S. government, leading to the decision to introduce the bond requirement. Let’s take a closer look at the rationale behind the program:

Reducing Visa Overstays

Overstay rates have been a persistent issue in the U.S. immigration system, with travelers overstaying their visa-authorized time and remaining in the country illegally. According to the DHS Entry/Exit Overstay Report, the U.S. has seen an increase in the number of visa holders who do not leave the country within the time allotted by their visa. Countries with higher overstay rates are now the focus of the Visa Bond Program.

By requiring travelers from high-risk countries to post a bond, the U.S. government aims to create a financial deterrent to overstaying. If a visa holder overstays or violates their visa conditions, they risk forfeiting their bond. This bond serves as a powerful tool to incentivize travelers to depart on time, reducing the strain on the U.S. immigration system caused by people who remain in the country unlawfully.

Cracking Down on Birth Tourism

In addition to reducing visa overstays, the U.S. government is using the Visa Bond Program to address birth tourism—the practice of traveling to the U.S. to give birth so the child automatically acquires U.S. citizenship. Birth tourism has been a controversial topic, as critics argue it takes advantage of the U.S. immigration system, strains public resources, and undermines the intent behind birthright citizenship.

The Visa Bond Program specifically targets travelers from countries with a higher likelihood of engaging in birth tourism. By imposing a financial cost on such travelers, the government hopes to deter birth tourism and ensure that those entering the country are doing so for legitimate reasons, such as business or tourism. The bond requirement adds a significant financial burden, which could deter those who intend to give birth in the U.S. solely to secure citizenship for their child.

Countries Affected by the Visa Bond Requirement

The Visa Bond Requirement applies to citizens of 38 countries, which the U.S. government has identified as having high visa overstay rates. These countries, mostly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, now face the added responsibility of posting a bond to obtain a U.S. visa.

Here is a list of countries that are subject to the new rule:

Africa: Countries Affected by US Visa Bond Requirement

The U.S. Visa Bond Requirement applies to travelers from several countries across Africa. With rising concerns over visa overstays, the U.S. government has mandated a refundable security bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for citizens of these nations applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas. This measure aims to curb overstays, encourage compliance, and discourage abuse of the U.S. immigration system. Starting January 21, 2026, citizens from the following African countries will be subject to this new rule.CountryAffected DateAlgeriaJan 21, 2026AngolaJan 21, 2026BeninJan 21, 2026BurundiJan 21, 2026Cape VerdeJan 21, 2026DjiboutiJan 21, 2026GabonJan 21, 2026Ivory CoastJan 21, 2026SenegalJan 21, 2026NigeriaJan 21, 2026UgandaJan 21, 2026ZimbabweJan 21, 2026

Asia: Countries Affected by US Visa Bond Requirement

Several countries in Asia have been included in the U.S. Visa Bond Requirement program due to high visa overstay rates. Citizens from these countries applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas will need to post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. This policy is part of the U.S. government’s broader strategy to minimize overstays and ensure compliance with visa terms. Starting January 21, 2026, citizens from these four Asian nations will be required to comply with the new rule.CountryAffected DateBangladeshJan 21, 2026KyrgyzstanJan 21, 2026NepalJan 21, 2026TajikistanJan 21, 2026

Caribbean: Countries Affected by US Visa Bond Requirement

In the Caribbean, three countries are now subject to the new U.S. Visa Bond Requirement. Starting January 1, 2026, citizens of these nations applying for B-1 and B-2 visas will need to pay a bond between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the individual’s perceived risk of overstaying. The initiative is designed to reduce visa violations and strengthen border security. This requirement will apply to citizens from Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.CountryAffected DateCubaJan 1, 2026Antigua and BarbudaJan 1, 2026DominicaJan 1, 2026

Oceania: Countries Affected by U.S. Visa Bond Requirement

Oceania is also impacted by the U.S. Visa Bond Requirement, with citizens from several countries in the region needing to post a bond as part of their visa application process. The bond amount will range from $5,000 to $15,000, and this will apply to those seeking B-1 and B-2 visas. This rule is a significant step to prevent overstays and regulate immigration from Oceania, with the new requirement taking effect on January 1, 2026.CountryAffected DateFijiJan 1, 2026TongaJan 1, 2026TuvaluJan 1, 2026VanuatuJan 1, 2026

South America: Country Affected by U.S. Visa Bond Requirement

In South America, Venezuela is the only country currently affected by the U.S. Visa Bond Requirement. Starting January 1, 2026, travelers from Venezuela applying for B-1 and B-2 visas will be required to post a bond as part of their application process. This move is part of a broader initiative to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and prevent visa overstays, especially for travelers from high-risk countries. The bond can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the applicant’s profile.CountryAffected DateVenezuelaJan 1, 2026

These tables provide a comprehensive breakdown of the countries affected by the new U.S. Visa Bond Requirement, categorized by region, and the effective dates when the rule will come into force. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!

These countries were selected based on data compiled by the Department of Homeland Security regarding overstay rates. The bond requirement will apply to citizens of these countries when applying for tourist or business visas, regardless of where they apply for the visa.

How Does the Visa Bond Process Work?

The process of posting a bond for the US visa application involves several steps. First, applicants from the affected countries will attend a visa interview where a consular officer will assess their application and risk of overstaying. If the applicant is determined to be at risk of overstaying, the officer will instruct them to post a bond, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Applicants will then be directed to the Pay.gov platform, where they must submit Form I-352 and pay the bond. It is important to note that this payment must be made through the official U.S. government platform and not through any third-party website, as only payments made through Pay.gov will be considered valid.

Once the bond is paid, the visa application will proceed, but this does not guarantee visa issuance. If the visa is issued, the applicant must comply with all visa terms, including leaving the U.S. before the visa expires. If the visa holder follows all the terms, the bond will be refunded. However, if the visa holder violates the terms of the visa, such as overstaying, the bond will be forfeited.

Key Advantages of the Visa Bond Requirement

While the Visa Bond Program introduces a financial burden for travelers, it has several key advantages for both the U.S. government and travelers themselves. Here are the main benefits of the program:

Incentivizes Compliance: The bond requirement creates a strong financial incentive for travelers to comply with the terms of their visa, particularly in terms of departing the U.S. on time. The possibility of losing a significant amount of money acts as a powerful deterrent against overstaying.Promotes Timely Return: Travelers who comply with the terms of their visa will receive their bond back, encouraging timely departure from the U.S.Greater Transparency: The bond system brings clarity to the visa application process. Travelers from affected countries will know in advance that they need to post a bond, which reduces uncertainty about the application process.Financial Responsibility: The bond holds visa applicants financially responsible for their actions. If travelers overstay or violate visa conditions, they will be financially accountable for their actions, reducing the burden on U.S. taxpayers.Concerns and Criticisms of the Visa Bond Program

Despite the benefits, the Visa Bond Program has sparked concerns, particularly regarding the financial burden it places on travelers from lower-income countries. For many individuals, especially those from economically disadvantaged nations, the cost of the bond may be prohibitively high, making it difficult or impossible for them to obtain a U.S. visa.

Additionally, critics argue that the bond system may disproportionately impact legitimate travelers. Businesspeople and tourists who simply wish to visit the U.S. could be discouraged from applying due to the high upfront costs. This could lead to a decrease in legitimate tourism and business travel, which could have broader economic implications for the U.S.

Moreover, some question whether the bond system will be effective in curbing visa overstays and birth tourism. While the bond acts as a financial deterrent, some believe that the root cause of these issues lies in broader immigration system inefficiencies that cannot be solved by a simple bond requirement.

In 2026, the U.S. government is cracking down on visa overstays and birth tourism with new policies affecting Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cuba, Dominica, and other Caribbean and African countries. These major entry changes aim to reduce immigration violations and ensure compliance.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a More Secure Immigration System

In conclusion, the US government’s 2026 crackdown on visa overstays and birth tourism represents a significant shift in immigration policy, directly affecting countries like Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cuba, Dominica, and other Caribbean and African nations. These major entry changes, including the implementation of the Visa Bond Requirement, are designed to address ongoing immigration concerns. By imposing financial penalties and enhancing border security, the U.S. aims to reduce visa violations and discourage birth tourism, while still allowing legitimate travelers to visit. As these new policies roll out, they are expected to foster greater compliance and secure the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.