US Makes Visa Bond Permanent For Nepal: Up to $20,000 (NPR 30 Lakh) Deposit Required for B-1/B-2 Visas
2nd August 2026, Kathmandu
Planning a trip to the US from Nepal? Read about the permanent US visa bond rule requiring B-1/B-2 applicants from Nepal to deposit up to $20,000 (NPR 30 Lakh).
US Makes Visa Bond Permanent
Nepalese citizens planning to visit the United States for business or tourism will now face stricter financial requirements. The U.S. government has officially made the U.S. Visa Bond Requirement permanent for citizens of 50 nations, including Nepal.
Under this finalized policy, selected applicants for B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) visas will be required to post a refundable security deposit ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 USD (approximately NPR 15 Lakh to 30 Lakh) before receiving their visa.
Quick Summary: U.S. Visa Security Bond at a Glance
| Key Detail | Information |
| Target Visas | B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) Visas |
| Bond Amount | $10,000 to $20,000 USD (NPR 15 to 30 Lakh) |
| Previous Pilot Range | $5,000 to $15,000 USD |
| Affected South Asian Countries | Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan |
| Total Targeted Countries | 50 countries worldwide |
| Refund Status | 100% Refundable (If rules are followed) |
What Has Changed? (Pilot Program vs. Permanent Rule)
Previously, the U.S. Department of State ran a temporary pilot program testing visa bonds with deposit amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 USD. Following the assessment of overstay rates, U.S. authorities decided to make the program permanent while increasing the maximum deposit threshold up to $20,000 USD.
Why the change?
According to the U.S. Department of State, the rule is designed to curb the growing rate of visitors who overstay their authorized period of stay in the United States.
How Does the U.S. Visa Bond Refund Work?
While depositing up to NPR 30 Lakh is a heavy financial requirement for travelers, the U.S. State Department has clarified that the bond is fully refundable.
You will get your full deposit back if:
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You return to your home country on time—before your visa or authorized stay expires.
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Your visa application is ultimately rejected after paying the bond fee during the processing stage.
If a traveler overstays their visa illegally, the security bond will be forfeited, and the individual may face permanent entry bans to the United States.
Who is Impacted in South Asia?
Nepal is not the only country subject to this policy. In South Asia, applicants from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan fall under the list of 50 nations selected based on historical visa overstay data.
What This Means for Nepalese Travelers
Increased Upfront Costs: Applicants must ensure they have access to substantial liquid capital (NPR 15–30 Lakh) before completing their visa issuance steps if required by the consular officer.
Stronger Incentive to Comply: The high monetary bond aims to ensure travelers stick strictly to their approved travel itineraries and return home promptly.
Consular Discretion: Not every single applicant from these countries automatically pays the maximum; the specific bond amount ($10,000, $15,000, or $20,000) is determined on a case-by-case basis during consular processing.
Final Thoughts for Applicants
If you are applying for a U.S. visitor visa from Nepal, stay informed through the official U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu announcements. Ensure your travel plans are well-documented, prepare your financial records, and remain mindful of stay durations to guarantee a full refund of your security bond upon returning home.
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