The United States has added Georgia to the list of countries whose citizens will be required to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 for certain types of visas, including tourist visas.

Specifically, on March 18, the U.S. Department of State added Georgia along with 11 other countries—Cambodia, Ethiopia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia—to the list of countries whose citizens will be required to pay a visa bond for certain short-term visas.

This applies to B1 (business) and B2 (tourism/medical treatment) visa categories. The visa bond may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or up to $15,000, and will be determined during the consular interview.

It is noted that paying the visa bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the purpose of the visa bond program is to significantly reduce the number of individuals who overstay their visas and remain in the United States illegally.

With the addition of Georgia and the 11 other countries, the total number of “high-risk” countries subject to the visa bond program has increased to around 50.

The decision will take effect on April 2.