Fiji has been included in a list of countries whose nationals will be required to post a visa bond when applying for certain United States visitor visas, under a new pilot programme by the US Department of State.
From January 21, 2026, Fijian passport holders applying for B1/B2 visitor visas—used for tourism and business travel—may be required to pay a visa bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000, depending on the outcome of their visa interview.
The visa bond requirement is part of a Temporary Final Rule under the US Immigration and Nationality Act and is based on visa overstay data published by the US Department of Homeland Security. The Department of State says the measure is aimed at encouraging compliance with visa conditions.
Applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa will only be required to post a bond if directed to do so by a US consular officer.
Payments must be made through the US Government’s official Pay.gov platform using Form I-352, and applicants have been warned not to use third-party websites.
As a condition of the bond, affected visa holders must enter and exit the United States through designated airports, including JFK in New York, Boston Logan, and Washington Dulles.
The bond will be refunded if the traveller departs the US on time, does not travel at all, or is denied entry at the port of entry. However, overstaying or applying to adjust immigration status could result in the bond being forfeited.
The policy is expected to affect Fijians travelling to the US for short-term visits from 2026 onward.
