By Purushottam Dhakal, LOS ANGELES:-  Nepal has been included under the new visa bond policy that the Trump administration is implementing. According to a notice released by the US Department of State, starting January 21, citizens of 25 additional countries, including Nepal, will be required to pay a deposit before obtaining a visa to enter the US. A bond of up to $15,000 has been imposed, as per the criteria set by the US Department of State.

This provision is specifically applicable to B-1, B-2 (business and tourist) visas. The amount of the bond will be determined during the visa interview. Even if the bond is paid, there is no guarantee that the visa will be approved. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the amount will be refunded if the visa is denied or if the visa holder leaves the US on time and proves that they have complied with the visa conditions.

According to the US State Department, this policy is being expanded to target applicants from countries with high overstay rates and document security weaknesses. Earlier, a pilot program was launched in August covering a limited number of countries.

The Trump administration has already implemented mandatory in-person interviews, disclosure of social media history, and submission of family travel and residency information for citizens of all countries requiring visas. Additionally, facial recognition technology has been expanded to the movement of non-citizens from December 26, 2025.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump recently announced a new immigration initiative called the ‘Trump Gold Card’, which promises a new and simpler path to US citizenship.