India is not among the countries currently covered by the United States’ expanded B1/B2 visa-bond requirement, according to the U.S. State Department’s list updated on October 2, 2026. Nationals of listed countries who are otherwise eligible for a visa may be required to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000.
Key points
- India does not appear on the State Department’s October 2 list of countries subject to the B1/B2 visa-bond requirement.
- Eligible applicants from listed countries may be directed by a consular officer to post a $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 bond.
- The State Department says applicants should pay only after receiving official instructions and should not use unofficial payment websites.
What the rule says
The U.S. Department of State says the programme operates under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The amount is determined at the visa interview, and applicants are instructed to submit DHS Form I-352 and make payment through Pay.gov only after a consular officer directs them to do so.
As of the October 2 update, the list includes countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, but not India. The Indian Express and Business Today also reported that Indian passport holders are outside the current country list.
Why it matters for Indian travellers
The practical takeaway is narrow: Indian applicants are not currently subject to this country-based bond requirement merely because they hold an Indian passport. That does not mean a B1/B2 visa is guaranteed, nor does it remove the normal eligibility, interview, screening and documentation requirements for U.S. visas.
Travellers should also distinguish this visa-bond programme from other U.S. visa fees, security checks or policy changes. Because immigration rules can change, applicants should verify the current position on official U.S. government websites before paying fees or making travel decisions.
For more national policy and travel-related coverage, visit Taaza Khabar’s India section.
Cover illustration updated 16 October 2026: Original AI-assisted editorial illustration created exclusively for this article by Taaza Khabar with the built-in image generation tool. Conceptual illustration of travel-document checks; not an actual visa, passport or approval notice. Original publication date retained.
Published: October 6, 2026.
Editorial note: This report was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed against the cited sources for accuracy, timing and context.
Leave a Reply