The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, requiring some Georgian citizens applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas to post a refundable bond of up to USD 20,000 as a condition for visa issuance. The new rules entered into force on 3 August.

Georgia was first included in the programme earlier this year, when it was operating on a pilot basis, and remains the only European and South Caucasus country among the 50 countries covered by the measure. Under the permanent programme, U.S. consular officers may require applicants to post refundable bonds of USD 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000, while the previous USD 5,000 option has been removed.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the programme is intended to reduce visa overstays and improve compliance with the conditions of temporary visas. Officials said the pilot programme demonstrated that visa bonds were an effective tool for encouraging compliance among visa holders. The bond does not guarantee visa approval and is refunded if the traveller complies with the terms of their stay, including departing the United States before the visa expires.

According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security statistics for 2024, Georgian nationals recorded an overstay rate of 7.43% on B-1/B-2 visitor visas, compared with 6.33% for Armenia and 2.02% for Azerbaijan. The programme nevertheless does not include several countries with higher overstay rates, including Russia and Iran.

The decision follows Georgia's inclusion in the pilot programme in April and comes as Tbilisi continues to express interest in improving relations with Washington. Discussions on facilitating travel for Georgian citizens have continued in recent years, although broader bilateral relations have remained affected by political disagreements.