Fiji has been included in a new United States visa bond programme that will require Fijian travellers to pay a bond of up to US$20,000 (about FJ$44,000) before being issued a visitor visa.
The new rule, announced by the US State Department, makes permanent a visa bond programme aimed at reducing visa overstays.
It comes into effect on August 3, with Fiji listed among 50 countries whose nationals may be subject to the requirement. The programme is scheduled to apply to Fiji from January 21, 2026.
The policy applies to B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas. Under the rule, US consular officers may require applicants from designated countries to post a refundable bond of up to US$20,000 as a condition of receiving a visa.
The State Department said the decision follows a pilot programme launched in 2025, which concluded that visa bonds were an effective tool for encouraging compliance with visa conditions and reducing overstays.
During the pilot phase, applicants could be required to pay bonds of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000. Under the permanent programme, the minimum bond has increased to US$10,000, while the maximum has been raised to US$20,000.
Fiji is one of several Pacific nations included in the programme, alongside Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The State Department has not indicated that every applicant from the listed countries will automatically be required to pay a bond. Instead, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis by consular officers during the visa application process.
US officials say the policy is designed to reduce visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance.
However, immigration and civil rights advocates have criticised the measure, arguing it could discourage legitimate travel and create additional financial barriers for visitors from affected countries.
The new rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on August 3, formally bringing the programme into effect.
