The USA has expanded the list of countries with a visa bond to $15,000, including Turkmenistan.

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As a result, there are currently thirteen countries on the list, most of which are located in Africa, significantly complicating the visa application process for citizens of these states.

Last week, the State Department quietly added countries such as Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan to this list. These new rules took effect on January 1, as stated on the travel.state.gov website.

This decision is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration aimed at tightening visa requirements. All foreigners who need a visa are now required to undergo an interview and provide information about their social media activity over the past few years, as well as details about previous trips and their family's living conditions.

American officials claim that the bond amounting to $5,000 to $15,000 helps prevent cases where citizens of these countries overstay their visas.

Although paying the bond does not guarantee a visa, the amount will be refunded in case of denial or if the visa holder can prove compliance with its terms.

The new requirements add to the existing restrictions for citizens of countries such as Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, which were included in the list in August and October of last year.