The United States is expanding its visa bond program to 12 more countries. Starting April 2, visitors from a total of 50 countries will be required to pay a $15,000 deposit upon entering the US.

Tunisia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, and Seychelles have been added to the list.

The pilot program was introduced in August last year and applies to tourists and business travelers. The State Department reported that the number of visa holders overstaying their permitted stay has significantly decreased since the program was introduced.

Deposits will be returned to travelers who depart in accordance with their visa conditions. Visitors from countries in the visa waiver program are not affected - this includes most European Union countries.