Guyanese visiting U.S. exempted US$15,000 bond

Last Updated on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, 16:22 by Writer

Guyanese would not be required to pay a US$15,000 refundable bond before visiting the United States (U.S.) because few nationals of this South American country overstay, U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot said Wednesday.

“Currently, Guyana is not included on that list. It does not apply to Guyanese citizens applying for a visa,” she told reporters.

The American envoy said barring the fact that she has not checked recently, Guyana’s overstay rate is “not very high.” “In my opinion, it’s not problematic in that sense,” she said.

Ms Theriot was quick to point out that “anything can change but I’ll be very surprised.”

Al Jazeera reported that the 12-month pilot programme affects B-1 business and B-2 tourism visas and starts on August 20.

It targets travellers from countries with historically higher rates of visa overstays, according to the U.S. State Department’s temporary final rule published on August 5 in the Federal Register.

If visitors comply with the terms of the bond, the amount will be refunded.