The US government has included 25 countries, including Nepal, in its new visa bond policy at once.
What you should know
US President Donald Trump's administration is set to include Nepal in the new visa bond policy. The US Department of State has announced that Nepal will be included in the visa bond policy from January 21, 2026.
With the inclusion of Nepal in the visa bond policy, applicants applying for business and tourist visas will have to deposit up to $15,000 from January 21. The US government has included 25 countries, including Nepal, in the new visa bond policy at once.
The US has so far extended this policy to 38 countries, including Nepal. The ministry has stated that the deposit amount may be increased or decreased by evaluating the duration of the visa and other conditions. The ministry has stated that arrangements will be made to deposit up to $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. The deposit amount will be determined during the visa interview and even if the deposit is paid, the visa will not be approved.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated in the notice that the amount will be refunded after the visa interview and visa conditions are met and proof of leaving the US on time is submitted. The US has divided tourist visas into B-1/B-2 visas. Most Nepalis come to the US on B-1/B-2 visas. According to the ministry, this policy has been expanded to cover countries with ‘overstay’ rates and document security weaknesses that exceed the minimum time limit in the US. Earlier, this policy was launched as a test in August last year, covering a limited number of countries. After the policy was found to be positive, it was made widespread from January 2026.
According to the notice published in the Ministry of State and the Federal Register, not all visa applicants are required to pay a deposit. Consular officers at the embassy will decide which visa applicants will pay a deposit of 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 US dollars. The deposit amount may be determined depending on the applicant’s situation.
