AS makes visa deposit permanent at up to Rp360 million for 50 countries
The rule takes effect Aug. 3 for B-1/B-2 visas, raising the security bond ceiling from US$15,000 to US$20,000.
The United States is making its visa deposit program permanent for citizens of 50 countries, with security bonds of up to US$20,000, or about Rp360 million. The U.S. State Department rule takes effect on Aug. 3, 2026, after publication in the Federal Register. Consular officers can require the bond for nonimmigrant B-1 and B-2 applicants, used for business and tourism travel. The program was first tested in August 2025 with amounts ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000, and the upper limit is now being raised to US$20,000. In the official notice, the policy is intended to curb visa overstays. Reuters reported that 30 of the 50 countries covered are in Africa; Cambodia and Papua New Guinea are also on the list.