The expansion brings the total number of countries in the program to 50, and travelers from these nations should plan for the higher bond and potential processing delays.

Experts say the policy could reshape travel planning for thousands worldwide and keep government focus on visa integrity and overstays.

The program originated under the prior administration last year as part of a broader push to curb overstays and illegal migration.

Officials describe the move as increasing immigration system security, while critics call it punitive; there is acknowledgment that more countries could be added later.

The policy is expected to bring stricter background checks and longer processing times for travelers from high-risk countries.

The State Department announced the policy on its website, with the full country list available on the travel visa bond page; reporting confirmed by media outlets.

The program cites a track record of reducing visa overstays, noting that about 97% of roughly 1,000 bondholders did not overstay.

The 12 new countries added include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia, bringing the total to 50.

Already-covered nations include Angola, Bangladesh, Cuba, Nigeria, and Venezuela, with the rule targeting short-term B1/B2 visas for business and tourism.

Officials argue the bonds save taxpayers money by reducing overstays, citing estimated costs of overstays and potential annual savings.

The State Department is expanding its visa bond program to require bonds up to $15,000 from citizens of 12 additional countries, effective April 2, as part of efforts to deter visa overstays and illegal migration.

Bond amounts vary among $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000 based on circumstances and consular officer discretion, with refunds issued if a visa is denied or if the holder complies with visa terms.