The US State Department has made its visa bond program permanent, meaning certain applicants for business and tourist visas from 50 designated countries, including Georgia, may continue to be required to pay a refundable security deposit before receiving a visa. The new rules took effect on 3 August.
The program applies to applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas. It was introduced as a pilot program in 2025 and, as said by the US State Department, has proven effective in encouraging compliance with visa conditions and reducing visa overstays.
Under the pilot program, consular officers could require refundable deposits of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. Under the permanent rules, the $5,000 option has been eliminated and the maximum bond has been increased to $20,000. Consular officers may require bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, depending on the case.
The State Department’s list of countries subject to the visa bond program includes Georgia, which was added to the program earlier this year. The bond is refundable if the visa holder complies with the terms of their admission to the United States, including departing before their authorized stay expires.
