USA included several Latin American countries in its bonds for B1/B2 visaswhich requires certain applicants to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 as a condition of opting for a tourist or business visa. The measure has been in force since 2025 and adds new nationalities in 2026.
The official list includes Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cubawhose citizens could be subject to this requirement depending on the evaluation carried out by a consular official during the interview.
In the case of Nicaraguathe provision came into force on April 2, 2026. For Venezuela and Cuba, the application began on January 21 of that same year, as part of an update by the State Department.
The US Government explained that the bail does not guarantee visa approval. The amount is defined individually and should only be paid if indicated by a consular official, through the official platform. The authority warned that it does not recognize payments made on third-party platforms and that amounts canceled without prior authorization will not be refunded.
In addition, those who deposit this money must meet specific conditions, such as entering and exiting only by authorized commercial airports and respect the immigration deadline granted.
The regulations establish that the money is returned if the traveler meets the exit conditions or does not use the visa. In case of non-compliance, the amount could be lost and the case would be reviewed by immigration authorities.
The program is part of a pilot plan valid until August 2026focused on strengthening immigration controls for certain countries.
