The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has added Algeria and Mauritania to a list of countries whose citizens may be required to post a financial bond of up to $15,000 when applying for certain U.S. visas. The measure is part of a new pilot program aimed at tightening visa issuance requirements.
According to the U.S. State Department, the move expands the existing “financial bond” system to cover 38 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, citing higher rates of overstaying among some applicants from these nations.
The new rules are set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and will apply to Algerian and Mauritanian applicants seeking certain short-term visas.
U.S. authorities justified the policy as a means to “reduce illegal immigration through visa overstays,” emphasizing that the bond is fully refundable if the visa application is denied or if the traveler complies with all conditions and departs the U.S. on time.
The initiative reflects the Trump administration’s broader strategy to enforce stricter immigration and entry controls, particularly for countries perceived to have higher visa overstay rates.
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