Tajikistan has been added to the list of countries whose citizens are required to pay a visa bond when applying for a U.S. visa. The U.S. Department of State published the updated list on its website.
The new requirement for Tajik citizens will take effect on January 21, 2026.
The new rule affects 38 countries worldwide. In Central Asia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan are included in the list.
According to the U.S. Department of State, individuals intending to visit the U.S. for family visits or tourism (B1 or B2 visas) must pay a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 after their visa application is approved. The exact amount for each individual will be determined during their visa interview at the U.S. embassy. The Department emphasized that paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
Travelers entering the U.S. on these visas are not allowed to remain in the country longer than the duration specified by the visa. Overstaying or violating U.S. laws will be considered a breach of the "Immigration Guarantee," which citizens of these countries must also sign (Form I-352).
Visa holders must enter the U.S. only through international airports in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. If they return to their home country within the specified timeframe without violating the law, the bond amount will be refunded, provided the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirms their compliance. Otherwise, the bond will be forfeited.
