United States to require security bonds from Uruguayans applying for temporary visa
In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the U.S. Department of State announced a new requirement for Uruguayan citizens applying for B‑1/B‑2 temporary visas (for tourism or business): a refundable security bond as part of a 12‑month pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstays and strengthening compliance.
The measure, which comes into effect on August 20, 2025, will require adult applicants to deposit a $10,000 bond, while minors must pay $5,000. These funds will be held by the U.S. Treasury and fully refunded if the visa holder adheres to all entry and exit requirements—namely, entering the United States within 30 days of visa issuance and departing within the permitted timeframe through approved ports of entry.
This pilot program is aimed at citizens of countries deemed to have elevated rates of visa overstays and insufficient document controls. While the full list of targeted countries has not been officially published, Uruguay has been identified among those included.
The security bond requirement replaces the previous visa interview waiver directive announced on February 18, 2025, which had allowed many applicants to bypass in-person interviews under certain conditions. Moving forward, all Uruguayan applicants—regardless of age—must attend an in-person consular interview, unless qualifying for specific exceptions such as diplomatic missions or strict renewal scenarios.
According to the State Department, the initiative is designed to increase accountability and deter noncompliance, reinforcing immigration control amid global mobility challenges. Nationals from Visa Waiver Program countries are exempt from this requirement, and individual waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This policy has generated concern in Uruguay, where the financial burden of a $10,000 deposit, even if refundable, raises questions about equitable access and mobility, especially for students, families, or those traveling for medical treatment.