According to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US decision to impose a security deposit for the issuance of non-immigrant visas to Georgian citizens is related to the high rate of violations of US visa policy by Georgian citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Georgian citizens to comply with US visa regulations.

“The US decision to impose a security deposit on the issuance of non-immigrant visas to Georgian citizens is unfortunately related to the high rate of violations of US visa policy by Georgian citizens, which was explained by the US side.

The strict immigration policy of President Trump’s administration is well known, which is reflected in specific steps, and this decision is also part of the tightened immigration policy. Accordingly, we call on Georgian citizens to strictly comply with US visa regulations and not violate the current visa regime, which will allow Georgia to continue working with the US side on this issue,” the agency said.

For information, Georgia has been added to the list of countries whose citizens will have to post a bond of up to $15,000 for certain types of US visas. In particular, on March 18, the US State Department added Georgia and 11 more countries (Cambodia, Ethiopia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Tunisia) to the list of countries whose citizens will have to post a bond for certain short-term visas. These are B1 (business) and B2 (tourism/medical treatment) visas.