The United States Introduces a New Visa Requirement for Turkmenistan: “Visa Bond” to Apply from 2026
According to a new decision adopted by the U.S. Department of State, citizens of Turkmenistan have been added to the list of countries subject to the Visa Bond requirement. The rule will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The new requirement is based on Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and a pilot program established through a Temporary Final Rule (TFR). The decision relies on overstay statistics for B1/B2 visas provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
What changes for Turkmen citizens?
Applicants holding a Turkmen passport who are deemed eligible for a B1/B2 (business and tourist) visa must:
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post a visa bond of USD 5,000, 10,000, or 15,000;
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note that the bond amount is determined by the consular officer during the visa interview;
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complete DHS Form I-352;
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make payment exclusively through the official U.S. platform pay.gov.
Posting a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance. Payments made without explicit consular instruction are non-refundable.
Mandatory ports of entry and exit
Applicants who post a visa bond must enter and exit the United States only through the following airports:
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
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John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of entry to the U.S. or failure to record exit information.
What happens if the visa bond conditions are violated?
If the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspects a violation of bond conditions, the case is referred to USCIS. Violations include:
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departing the U.S. after the authorized stay period;
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remaining in the U.S. beyond the permitted duration;
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violating nonimmigrant status, including applying for political asylum.
