The United States has implemented substantial visa bonds for Georgia, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, following Georgia’s inclusion in a list of “high-risk” nations associated with visa overstays. As of April 2nd, Georgian nationals will require these bonds when applying for non-immigrant visas, according to the US State Department. Georgia joins a group of 50 countries – encompassing 24 African nations, seven Oceanic countries, and 11 Asian and Middle Eastern nations – requiring citizens to post a bond for B1/B2 visas, or tourist and business visas.
These bonds, valued at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, are determined during the applicant’s visa interview. It’s important to note that a visa bond does not guarantee approval; fees are not returned if paid without consular officer direction. The bonds are refundable if travelers adhere to US visa regulations.
The US State Department initially proposed this measure in 2025, beginning a 12-month pilot program in August of that year. Statistics from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) show that Georgians on B1/B2 visas have a 7.43% overstay rate, slightly higher than Armenians (6.33%) and Azerbaijanis (2.02%). Chad and Laos exhibit the highest overstay rates, around 28%, but were not subject to the visa bonds.
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens to comply with US visa regulations. This action coincides with escalating rhetoric against immigration from US President Donald Trump and efforts to restrict legal immigration and travel. Discussions regarding visa liberalization for Georgia have been ongoing, with the MEGOBARI Act offering potential easing of visa difficulties if the Georgian Dream party reversed its democratic backsliding.
This bill remains stalled in the Senate.
Topics: #visa #bonds #georgia
