New Travel Alert: Expansion of the U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program (VBPP) ✈️🇺🇸

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have released updated guidance regarding the Visa Bond Pilot Program (VBPP). This program supports Executive Order 14159 and requires nationals from specific countries applying for B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas to post a visa bond.

🚨 Key Updates Effective April 2, 2026

Starting April 2, 2026, the VBPP expands to include nationals from the following countries:

• Cambodia
• Ethiopia
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Lesotho
• Mauritius
• Mongolia
• Mozambique
• Nicaragua
• Papua New Guinea
• Seychelles
• Tunisia

These countries join an extensive list of nations already subject to the program, including Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, and Venezuela. 

📋 What Travelers Need to Know

If you are a national of a country affected by the VBPP, please note the following requirements:

• Single Entry Only: Visas issued under this program are valid for single entry only.

• Visa Annotations: Your visa will be physically annotated with “CASH BOND POSTED” to indicate the bond was paid prior to issuance.

• Port of Entry Restrictions: Visa bond holders are authorized to arrive and depart only via commercial air ports of entry. Travel via charter flights or General Aviation is excluded.

• Existing Visas: Processing remains unchanged for nationals of these countries who have visas without the “CASH BOND POSTED” annotation.

⚠️ Overlapping Entry Restrictions

Many countries subject to the VBPP are also impacted by Presidential Proclamation 10998, which may impose full or partial entry restrictions. It is critical to verify your status if your country is marked with an asterisk in official CBP bulletins.

Does this affect your upcoming travel or visa application? At Cohen, Tucker + Ades, we stay at the forefront of shifting immigration policies to provide our clients with clear, actionable guidance. Navigating the VBPP and associated Presidential Proclamations requires careful planning to avoid boarding denials or admission issues at the border.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. Immigration laws and fee schedules are subject to frequent change. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this post without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this post.

Sources:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Carrier Liaison Program, Executive Order: Visa Bonds (Updated)

United States, Department of State, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program, 22 CFR Part 41