Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Ghanaians that the Mahama Administration remains firmly committed to safeguarding the interests of citizens abroad, even as an increasing number of countries are subjected to U.S. visa sanctions and the imposition of a stringent US$15,000 visa bond.
In a social media post, he addressed the growing public concern over the evolving U.S. immigration measures. Mr. Ablakwa emphasised that Ghana’s foreign policy under President John Dramani Mahama will continue to prioritise mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements that align with the country’s strategic national interest, while ensuring that Ghanaian citizens are not unfairly disadvantaged by external policy shifts.
“As many more countries face US visa sanctions and $15,000 visa bonds, Ghanaians can be assured that the Mahama Administration will continue to pursue mutually beneficial foreign policy objectives that align with our strategic national interest and that ensures our citizens are not disadvantaged” he said
The United States has expanded a visa bond policy that requires certain visitors from designated countries to post a refundable financial bond of up to $15,000 as a condition for issuing non-immigrant visitor visas, including B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) categories.
This requirement, part of a pilot programme initiated by the U.S. Department of State and currently broadened to include 38 countries, aims to address concerns about visa overstays, where travellers remain in the United States beyond their authorised period of stay. The expanded list covers a range of countries, primarily in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and the programme is set to take effect on January 21, 2026.
Under the policy, visa applicants may be required to post bonds that range from $5,000 to $15,000, with the final amount determined by consular officers during the visa interview. These bonds act as a financial assurance to the U.S. government that the visitor will comply with the terms of their visa, including departing the United States before the authorised stay expires. Importantly, payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and it is only refundable if the traveller adheres to all the visa conditions and leaves the country on time.
The introduction and expansion of the visa bond programme stem from a broader U.S. immigration strategy to tighten entry requirements and reduce unauthorized overstays, which have been identified by U.S. authorities as a significant component of irregular migration.
The policy was first piloted in 2025, targeting countries with higher rates of visa overstays, and has since been expanded to include more nations. U.S. officials have defended the programme as a tool to enforce existing immigration law more effectively, though critics argue it may create financial barriers for legitimate travellers.
For applicants subject to the bond requirement, the process involves posting the bond via the U.S. Treasury’s online payment platform (Pay.gov) after being directed by a consular officer. If the applicant complies with visa terms, arriving and departing according to schedule and not violating visa conditions, the full bond amount is refunded.
However, the bond can be forfeited if the traveller overstays or otherwise breaches their visa terms. In some cases, travellers must also enter the United States through specified ports of entry, such as Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
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