Three Pacific nations are significantly impacted by a recent expansion of the United States’ controversial visa bond scheme aimed at preventing visa overstayers. Travelers from Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu will now be subject to this new requirement.
Announced by the US Department of State, the updated measures will be part of a 12-month pilot program starting January 21, 2025. Under this program, selected applicants for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas may be required at the discretion of US consular officers to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the perceived risk of overstaying.
The bond policy expands the original list of 25 countries released in August 2025, now adding 13 more nations. While the standard bond is set at $10,000, higher amounts may be mandated following the visa interview process. It’s important to note that even after posting a bond, visa approval is not guaranteed.
Applicants must adhere to specific conditions throughout their travel, including entering and exiting the US through one of three designated airports: Boston Logan International, New York JFK, or Washington Dulles International. Compliance with these conditions is necessary for the full refund of the bond amount.
Local officials and travel agents in the affected Pacific nations have expressed concerns regarding how this measure may influence families, businesses, and tourism in the region. The State Department has indicated that the list of affected countries will be continuously reviewed and updated, suggesting that Pacific travelers may face ongoing alterations to US entry requirements.
This significant development underscores the challenges faced by Pacific nations in navigating the complexities of US immigration policies and highlights the potential economic repercussions on regional communities.