Washington: The United States has added Venezuela to the list of countries requiring a visa security deposit. The U.S. government has included 25 more countries, including Venezuela, in the list of nations whose citizens must pay a visa security deposit of up to $15,000 to enter the United States.

According to Thai News Agency, the U.S. State Department began implementing visa bond requirements in August 2025, aimed at deterring temporary travelers from overstaying their permitted stays. The current list now comprises 38 countries, primarily from Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Out of these, 25 countries are newly added and will have the requirement effective from January 21st, including Venezuela, whose leader was recently extradited to the U.S. for prosecution.

The U.S. Department of State website updated information on January 6, 2026, indicating that citizens holding passports from these 38 countries applying for B1/B2 visas, which are for temporary entry to the U.S. for business or tourism, must deposit a visa security ranging from $5,000, $10,000 to $15,000. The exact amount of the security deposit will be determined during the visa interview process. Visa applicants must agree to this condition as part of the U.S. entry requirements.