The Trump administration is expanding a visa policy requiring travellers from a dozen countries to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the United States.

The measure, which takes effect April 2, applies to short‑term business and tourism visas, the US Department of State says. Officials say the policy is intended to reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas.

The 12 additions bring the total number of countries covered to 50. Six of the new additions are African: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Tunisia. The other new countries are Cambodia, Georgia, Grenada, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Nicaragua. Other African nations already on the list include Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde and Zambia.

Under the policy, approved applicants must post a bond — typically $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 — before travelling. The funds are returned if travellers comply with visa conditions or do not travel; they are forfeited if travellers overstay.

"Nearly 1,000 foreigners have been issued visas under the program, and 97% of bonded travelers have returned home from the United States on time," a State Department fact sheet said.

The visa bond program is part of a broader immigration agenda under President Donald Trump that has included an aggressive deportation campaign, visa and green‑card revocations, and expanded screening of applicants’ social media and past statements.

Human rights groups have criticised the administration’s immigration and travel policies, saying they undermine due process and free speech. The administration defends the measures as necessary to strengthen national security.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi