The US has launched a visa bond program affecting travelers from 50 countries. India is not on the list — which significantly simplifies trip planning for Indian citizens. But if you're traveling to the States on a passport from another country, prepare for extra costs: the bond ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, and the exact amount is determined by a consular officer during the interview.
What exactly changed
Starting October 3, 2026, a program takes effect requiring visa applicants from 50 countries to post a bond. The exact sum — $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 — is fixed by a consular officer during the interview. This is not a standard visa fee: the bond is refunded after the traveler leaves the US within the allowed period. If the visa is denied or the trip is canceled, the money should be returned.
Who is affected
The program applies to citizens of 50 countries — the full list is published by the US State Department. India is not included, nor are several other nations. If you're a citizen of a listed country, the bond becomes a mandatory condition for visa issuance. Check the official portal for the current list and rules: travel.state.gov.
How long you can stay and what documents you need
The stay period on a B1/B2 tourist visa is typically up to 6 months — a standard rule unchanged by the new program. However, the bond is designed to ensure travelers actually leave the US on time. Besides the visa, you'll need:
- a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your entry date);
- proof of trip purpose: hotel booking, return tickets, invitation letter;
- proof of financial capacity — bank statements, employment letter;
- completed DS-160 form and paid consular fee.
How to pay the bond and visa fee
The visa fee ($185 for B1/B2) and bond are paid through official channels: ceac.state.gov or the consular office. Payment requires a card accepted in the international system — Visa or Mastercard. If you're in a country where foreign bank cards don't work, or you want to avoid blocks, you can use a VirtCardPay virtual card: it lets you pay in dollars without linking to your main account. This is especially handy when the bond reaches $20,000 — keeping that much on a debit card is risky.
Payment nuances for your trip
Beyond visa costs, budget for hotel and transport bookings. Foreign cards often require pre-authorization — a temporary hold of the deposit amount. If the card doesn't support such operations, the hotel may deny check-in. A virtual card with sufficient balance solves this: pre-authorization goes through, and the money doesn't get stuck on your main account. Refunds for canceled bookings arrive within 5–10 business days but may be converted at the bank's rate on the transaction date — factor in currency risks.
What this means in practice
If you're an Indian citizen, the new program doesn't affect you — you can apply for a visa through the standard procedure. For travelers from the 50 countries, the bond becomes an additional financial barrier. It's important to understand: the bond is not an expense but a temporary hold of funds. However, to post it, you need a card with a high limit or access to a foreign currency account. Virtual cards help here: you top up the balance with USDT or another cryptocurrency and pay the bond without bank linkage. This is especially relevant for those living in countries with restrictions on international transfers.
FAQ
Will the bond be refunded if I don't travel?
Yes, if the visa is denied or the trip is canceled before entry, the bond is refunded. After entering the US, the bond is returned only after confirming timely departure.
Can I pay the bond with cryptocurrency?
Not directly. The State Department accepts payment only through official channels. But you can top up a virtual card with crypto and pay with it.
Is India definitely excluded?
Yes, according to BusinessLine, India is not among the 50 countries. However, the list may be updated — check travel.state.gov.
Not financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are volatile; assess risks yourself.
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