Dominicans, Antiguans face visa bonds of up to US$15 000 for US travel
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica seeking to travel to the United States will now face significantly higher upfront costs, after both countries were added to a US pilot programme requiring some visa applicants to post immigration bonds of up to US$15,000. The new requirement takes effect on January 21, 2026, following the Trump […] The article Dominicans, Antiguans face visa bonds of up to US$15 000 for US travel is from St. Lucia Times.
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Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica seeking to travel to the United States will now face significantly higher upfront costs, after both countries were added to a US pilot programme requiring some visa applicants to post immigration bonds of up to US$15,000.
The new requirement takes effect on January 21, 2026, following the Trump administration’s decision to expand the number of countries subject to visa bonds. In less than a week, the US nearly tripled the list, adding 25 more countries to an earlier group of 13, bringing the total to 38.
Under the policy, nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica applying for B1 business visas or B2 tourist visas may be required to submit an immigration bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000 as part of the application process. The exact amount will be determined during the visa interview.
Importantly, posting a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved. The bond applies only to applicants who are otherwise deemed eligible for a visa, and the requirement is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
According to the United States Department of State, the bond is intended to ensure compliance with US immigration rules, particularly that visitors do not overstay their visas. Once a bondholder enters and exits the United States in line with the conditions of their visa, the bond will be refunded.
However, the policy also places additional restrictions on travellers. Nationals required to post a bond will only be permitted to enter and depart the United States through three designated ports of entry: Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport. This limitation further reduces travel flexibility for affected visitors.
The article Dominicans, Antiguans face visa bonds of up to US$15 000 for US travel is from St. Lucia Times.
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