The US government has expanded its list of countries whose citizens must pay up to $15,000 bonds to apply for visas. The new list includes seven countries: Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to tighten requirements for entry to the US, including requiring citizens from all countries that require visas to sit for in-person interviews and disclose years of social media histories.
The US government has been adding countries to this list since last year, with the first 13 countries being added in August and October. The bonds are intended to ensure that citizens of targeted countries do not overstay their visas, but payment of the bond does not guarantee a visa will be granted. The amount will be refunded if the visa is denied or when a visa holder demonstrates they have complied with the terms of their visa.