Nepal-US Relations: What Steps Has Nepal Taken to Remove the ‘Visa Bond’ Requirement?
Image Source, Reuters
Since January, the US government has required Nepalese nationals applying for tourist or business visas to provide a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. In response, Nepal has requested the removal of this provision from senior US officials, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has disclosed.
The US government’s official website, travel.state.gov, lists Nepal among 50 countries required to submit a bond for visa applications.
The list also includes Venezuela, Cuba, and South Asian nations Bangladesh and Bhutan. Minister Khanal explained that Nepal’s inclusion is primarily due to issues with ‘overstays’—remaining beyond the authorized period in the US—and applicants submitting fraudulent documents.
He further expressed optimism, stating, “Nepal is actively working on this matter and we believe the country will soon be removed from that list.”
Initiative to Remove Nepal from the Visa Bond List
The rule requiring a bond for B1/B2 visa applicants was implemented in Nepal on January 21.
The US State Department indicated that they are negotiating the bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 for B1/B2 visa applications.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal shared that in conversations with US officials, he has continuously requested Nepal’s removal from the visa bond list.
He stated, “In every senior-level visit and phone discussion, I have clearly raised this issue. They have explained that the measure is based on scientific data related to document fraud and overstays.”
He added, “US officials have also commended Nepal’s efforts to combat document fraud. We are hopeful that we will soon be removed from that list.”
Following Nepal’s inclusion in the bond requirement list, the US State Department responded that the list was expanded after reviewing immigration risks and foreign policy considerations affecting various countries.
A US State Department spokesperson said in January, “This program is effective in preventing illegal immigration and has therefore been extended to additional countries.”
Statistics show that Nepal’s B1/B2 visa rejection rate has surged significantly, rising from 49.47% in 2024 to 69.47% in 2025.
Statistical Overview
Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Nepal has appealed not to provide US support in areas such as health, housing, and education by submitting incorrect information.
This raises concerns from the US that future visa applicants from Nepal will face even greater challenges obtaining visas.
In 2024, the F1 student visa rejection rate for Nepalese students was 59%, which increased to 81% in 2025, according to statistics.
Advice from a Former Ambassador
Image Source, Getty Images
Shankar Sharma, former Nepali ambassador to the United States in Washington, cites the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies as a cause for the visa bond and student visa rejection issues, emphasizing the need for intensified diplomatic efforts.
Sharma said, “India also faces challenges, but they encourage our students to study there. We need to put forward our concerns diplomatically.”
He added that assistance could be sought through the US president’s special envoy based in Delhi.
“We must activate mechanisms to maintain the friendship between Nepal and the United States. These efforts can help us be removed from the list,” Sharma noted.
India is not on the US visa bond list; therefore, Indian nationals are not required to provide a bond.
However, over the past three years, visa application rejection rates for Indian students have risen significantly.
According to a report by SoarLight, the rejection rate increased from 36% in 2023 to 61% by 2025.
Nepal’s 81% rejection rate in 2025 aligns more closely with figures seen in Afghanistan and West Africa.