**US Visa Bond Policy Expanded to 12 More Countries** The United States government has announced plans to expand its visa bond programme, requiring citizens from 12 more countries to post a $15,000 bond before applying for a US visa. This policy, introduced to prevent visa overstaying, will affect citizens from a total of 50 countries, with the majority being from Africa. The 12 new countries added to the list are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. These countries join the existing 38 nations that have been part of the programme since its inception. The visa bond programme requires foreign nationals to pay $15,000 for a B1 or B2 visa, which allows for business and tourism purposes. However, the bond will be returned to visa recipients who comply with the terms of their visa and return home as required. In essence, this policy is designed to ensure that visitors from these countries respect their visa terms and do not overstay their welcome in the US. The US government claims that the programme has been successful in reducing the number of visa overstayers. It's worth noting that this policy is not unique to Nigeria, but it has implications for many African countries. While the policy is intended to prevent visa abuse, it may also be seen as a barrier to entry for some foreign nationals. The new policy will take effect on April 2, and it remains to be seen how it will impact international travel to the US.