Starting August 3, 2026, the U.S. government has made permanent its Visa Bond program, requiring certain applicants from 50 countries to post refundable bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for tourist or business visas.

Many Vietnamese clients are asking whether this new rule applies to them. Here is the clear and updated information.

What Is a Visa Bond?

A Visa Bond is a refundable security deposit that U.S. consular officers may require from certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants before issuing the visa.

The main purpose of the program is to reduce visa overstays.

Current Bond Amounts

Under the permanent rule (which replaces the 2025 pilot program):

• Bond amounts: $10,000 – $15,000 – $20,000
• Consular officers decide the exact amount based on each individual case.
• The standard amount is generally $15,000.
• It may be reduced to $10,000 if the applicant cannot afford the higher amount but can still fund the trip.
• It may be increased to $20,000 if the officer believes a higher amount is needed to ensure the traveler will depart on time.

The bond is refundable if:

• The visa is denied, or
• The traveler leaves the United States on time according to the visa conditions.

Is Vietnam Included in the List of 50 Countries?

No. Vietnam is currently not on the list of 50 countries subject to the Visa Bond requirement.

The list mainly includes countries in Africa, along with some nations in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (examples: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Nigeria, Venezuela, etc.). Cambodia is included, but Vietnam is not.

The U.S. State Department has the authority to add or remove countries in the future (usually with at least 15 days’ notice for additions).

Important Warning for Vietnamese Applicants

There has been a rise in scam emails and messages pretending to be from the U.S. Consulate, demanding that Vietnamese applicants pay a $10,000–$20,000 “visa deposit.”

Warning:

• Vietnam is not subject to the Visa Bond requirement.
• Any request for a large deposit from an email that does not end in .gov is almost certainly a scam.
• Never transfer money based on such requests.

Which Visas Are Affected?

The Visa Bond program applies only to:

• B-1 (business) visas
• B-2 (tourist) visas
• Combined B-1/B-2 visas

It does not apply to:

• Immigrant visas (CR-1, IR-1, F2A, etc.)
• Student visas (F-1)
• Work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
• Other nonimmigrant visa categories

Conclusion

As of August 2026, Vietnamese citizens applying for B-1/B-2 visas are not required to post a $10,000–$20,000 bond. However, the list of countries can change, so it is important to stay updated through official sources such as travel.state.gov or the U.S. Consulate in Vietnam.

If you are preparing a U.S. visa application and need accurate advice on the latest requirements, contact us for timely support and to avoid unnecessary risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Vietnam required to pay a $20,000 visa bond? A: Currently no. Vietnam is not on the list of 50 countries.

Q: Is the bond refundable? A: Yes, if you depart the U.S. on time or if the visa is denied.

Q: When did this rule become permanent? A: Around August 3, 2026.

Q: What should I do if I receive an email asking for a visa deposit? A: It is likely a scam. Do not transfer any money and verify through official U.S. Consulate channels.

Q: Can the list of 50 countries change in the future? A: Yes. The State Department can add or remove countries.