US brings in visa bond policy for fifty nations while India stays out

The United States has rolled out a new visa bond programme that requires applicants from fifty countries to deposit up to $20,000 for business and tourist visits.

Visa Rules

India is exempted from this new bond requirement.

Regional List

Several neighbouring nations, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, are included on the list of fifty countries covered by the programme.

Context

Visa bonds are financial deposits requested by governments to ensure temporary visitors leave before their authorised stay expires. Such policies are typically used by immigration authorities to manage overstay rates for specific regions.