Mozambique, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles and Ethiopia are among several countries that have been added to the US visa bond list.
From April 2, applicants from these countries will be required to pay a bond of $5 000 (R84 344), $10 000 (R168 687) or $15 000 (R253 031) when applying for a B1/B2 visa. The amount will be determined at the time of the visa interview.
Applicants must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform.
The form must only be submitted after a consular officer directs applicants to do so. Applicants will then receive a direct link to pay via Pay.gov.
The bond will be cancelled and the money returned automatically if:
- The visa holder departs the US on or before the date to which they are authorised to stay in the US
- The visa holder does not travel to the US before the expiration of the visa
- The visa holder applies for and is denied admission at a US port of entry
In August 2025, nationals from Malawi and Zambia were added to the list, followed by Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda and Nigeria in January.
