New US Visa Rule Requires Applicants to Post Rp360 Million Bond
The United States government has officially made its visa bond programme a permanent requirement for certain visa applicants from 50 countries. Under the new policy, applicants may be required to deposit a bond of up to US20, 000, oraroundRp361.7million(atanexchangerateofRp18, 087/US), before their visa is issued.
The rule applies to B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas. According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the decision on the bond amount will be determined by consular officers when processing visa applications.
“Consular officers may require visa applicants covered by this rule to deposit a bond of up to US$20,000 as a condition of visa issuance,” the notice stated, as quoted by Reuters on Monday (3/8/2026).
The US Department of State said the policy was adopted after the 2025 visa bond pilot programme was deemed to have provided sufficient data to prove that the system was effective in improving visa holders’ compliance with immigration rules.
Under the previous pilot programme, consular officers could only request bonds of US$5,000, US$10,000, or a maximum of US$15,000. The permanent rule removes the US$5,000 option and raises the maximum cap to US$20,000.
The final rule took effect on 3 August, coinciding with its publication in the Federal Register. Of the 50 countries covered by the policy, around 30 are from Africa. Indonesia is not included on the list.
The US government said the policy aims to reduce the number of visa holders who remain in the country after their visa expires (visa overstay). However, immigration advocacy groups believe the policy could deter people with legitimate reasons to travel to the United States.
A number of human rights organisations have also criticised President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. They argue that the tightening carried out by the government could violate freedom of speech and the right to due process, while creating an unsafe environment for ethnic minority groups and increasing racial profiling practices.
Trump defended the policy on the grounds of strengthening national security. Although he has repeatedly stated his intention to curb illegal immigration, the Trump administration is also seen as tightening legal immigration channels.
In addition to raising fees for several visa categories, the US government has introduced social media screening for certain visa applicants as well as immigrants already in the United States.