Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and Cuba are among travellers from 50 countries now subject to a permanent United States visa bond programme, following a new rule that took effect on Monday.

The US State Department announced that the programme, which was introduced on a trial basis in 2025, has now been made permanent. Under the policy, consular officers may require certain applicants for B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas to post cash bonds of US$10 000, US$15 000 or US$20 000, depending on their individual circumstances.

The State Department said the requirement does not apply automatically to every applicant. Instead, consular officers will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a visa bond is necessary.