THREE Pacific nations are among those most affected by a significant expansion of the United States’ controversial visa bond scheme designed to curb overstayers.
Travellers from Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are now subject to the US visa bond requirement.
The new measures, announced by the US Department of State this week, form part of a 12-month pilot program in which selected applicants for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas, at the discretion of US consular officers, may be required to lodge bonds of up to $USD15,000.
The updated policy will take effect from January 21 adds 13 countries to the original 25 announced in August 2025.
US consular officers can require applicants from designated countries to post a bond of $USD5000, $USD10,000, or $USD15,000, depending on perceived overstay risk.
The standard bond is set at $USD10,000, but higher amounts may be imposed based on the visa interview.
Payment of a bond does not guarantee visa approval.
If all visa conditions are met—including using one of the specified airports for entry and exit—and travellers depart the United States on time, the full bond amount will be refunded.
However, those subject to the bond must enter and exit the US through one of three approved airports: Boston Logan International, New York JFK, or Washington Dulles International.
Non-compliance could result in denied entry or unregistered departure records.
The State Department has indicated that the list of affected countries will be reviewed and updated as needed, meaning Pacific travellers could face ongoing changes to US entry requirements.
Local officials and travel agents in the Pacific have raised concerns about the potential impact on families, businesses, and tourism across the region.