However, the term “Guyana US travel bond waiver” is one of the most misunderstood terms online. This guide clears up the confusion, based on verified information from the U.S. Embassy Georgetown, the U.S. Department of State, and official immigration policy updates, so you can plan your trip with confidence and enjoy your trip.
Understanding the US Visa Bond Pilot Program
In August 2025, the US State Department launched a one-year pilot program, meaning it is not a permanent law but rather a test program that will last for 12 months to show how this policy works and how it can be continued, changed, or eliminated later. The program will be available from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026. During this period, consular officers will have the power to decide according to their own principles, meaning that visa officers themselves can decide whether or not to require an applicant to fulfill certain conditions, such as the imposition of a bond, as a condition of issuing a visa to certain B1/B2 visa applicants. Refundable $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, meaning some people have to pay a security deposit before the visa is issued, which is later refunded when all conditions are met. As of March 18, 2026, the US State Department has added 12 more countries to this list, bringing the number of countries on the list to 50. As of March 18, 2026, the US State Department announced that 12 more countries are being added to the visa bond program, effective April 2, 2026. The total number of countries will be 50.These newly added countries are:
Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia.These countries become part of the list along with some other countries already included, such as Bangladesh, Nigeria, Venezuela, Cuba, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, and others.What this means is that when the nationals of the countries apply for a US B1/B2 (Tourist or Business) visa, there may be a visa bond requirement in certain cases. This decision depends on the consular officer’s assessment, so it is not automatically applied to every applicant.
Guyana is not included on this list.
Why Guyana Is Exempt: The Official Position
The US ambassador said that Guyana is also not subject to the bond conditions because its overstate rate is low and acceptable at around 5.59%, which is much lower than countries that are placed as high risk on the bond list.
Bond Waiver vs. Visa Waiver: A Critical Distinction
This is where many travelers get confused and nervous. These words sound the same to them, but they mean completely different things.
Bond Waiver (applies to Guyana): Citizens of Guyana who apply for a US B1/B2 visa are not required to submit a refundable financial bond of $5,000 to $15,000 during the normal visa and processing process. This means that they are not subject to any additional security deposit requirements that may be imposed by other countries. Simply put, these visa applicants only apply through the normal visa fee form interview and required documents and are not required to submit any additional large amounts of money as collateral.
Visa Waiver (does not apply to Guyana): Citizens of Guyana cannot enter the United States without a visa. They must obtain a B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States, and for this they must apply formally through the U.S. Consulate in Georgetown. In the process, the applicant must fill out a visa form, undergo an interview, and prove the reason for the trip. Only after the visa is approved can they travel to the United States. The VWP is for countries that allow visa-free entry, but Guyana is not on that list, so citizens of those countries must go through the full visa process.
What This Means for Guyanese Travelers in Practice
Although the bond requirement is waived, obtaining a US visitor visa from Guyana in 2026 requires more preparation than a year ago. This is because some broad and important changes have been introduced that affect every applicant, regardless of their nationality.
Standard B1/B2 Application Costs and Fees
The current MRV fee is $185, which is scheduled to increase to $205 from May 30, 2026. In addition, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 was introduced in October 2025, bringing the total cost of the visa to approximately $435 for most applicants.
Mandatory In-Person Interviews
Interview waivers have been eliminated for almost all nonimmigrant visa categories, including B1/B2, starting in September 2025. This means that almost all Guyanese applicants, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, will have to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown. Limited waivers are available only for applicants renewing certain visa types within one year of their expiration.
Strong Ties Still Matter Most
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a B visa applicant is presumed to intend to reside permanently in the United States, so the applicant must rebut that presumption by demonstrating strong ties to Guyana.
Documentation That Strengthens Your Application
Consular officers in Georgetown look for strong and genuine relationships that will compel the applicant to return to their home country.
Employment evidence: A letter from the company’s head office confirming your employment, salary, position, approved leave and expected return date. A No objection certificate (NOC) is also of particular importance.
Property ownership: Title dates Vehicle registration or business ownership documents.
Family connections: Marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, evidence of care for elderly parents in Guyana.
Financial proof: Six months of bank statements, fixed deposits, and investment records that show you can support your travel expenses without working in the United States.
Travel history: Travel to the US, Canada, the UK or Schengen countries under previous rules makes your case quite strong.
Could Guyana Be Added to the Bond List Later?
It’s a fair question. Ambassador Theriot acknowledged that anything could change, but he said he would be very surprised if Guyana were added to the list. The pilot program is currently set to expire on August 5, 2026, after which the State Department will evaluate whether to continue, modify, or terminate it. The biggest factor keeping Guyana off the list is the country’s high overstay rate. A Guyanese citizen who overstays their visitor visa adds to the burden and creates pressure that could eventually lead to their inclusion. Adhering to visa requirements is a matter of genuine national interest.
Practical Steps Before Applying for a US Visitor Visa from Guyana
1. Start at least four to six months before your intended travel date.
Start preparing for your trip at least four to six months before the date you want to travel. During busy seasons, the wait time for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown can be several months.
2. Complete the DS-160 form online accurately.
If there are errors in your visa application form or documents or various information is not available in the application, your visa may be delayed or rejected. For example, one date is in the passport and another date is in the form, job information is written differently in different places, bank statements and financial information given in the application are not available in the application. All these errors can lead to rejection of your visa.
3. Pay the $185 MRV fee.
Visit the official AIS website (ais.usvisa-info.com) and submit the visa fee of US$185.
4. Schedule your interview.
The U.S. Embassy is located at Judwick Street, Kingston, Georgetown. You must book your own interview date and time. The interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown. You cannot attend the interview there without an appointment. Go to the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown to schedule your visa interview.
5. Assemble your supporting documents.
Whenever you go for an interview, you must carry these things with you, which are very important and mandatory. Without them, your interview cannot take place, some of which are: Passport DS-160 Confirmation Batch Fee Receipt Photograph Proof of ties to your country such as job, business, property or family papers It is important to carry all these necessary documents with you at the time of the interview.
6. Practice your interview answers.
The US visa interview is very short, usually lasting only two to five minutes. The officer will ask you a few questions. You are expected to give short and honest answers. Talking too much or lying can be detrimental to your visa. Giving short, honest, and clear answers is the best way to go.
The U.S. Embassy in Guyana strongly advises applicants to prepare their own visa application documents and avoid using any visa agents as these agents often provide incorrect or outdated information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there an actual “Guyana US travel bond waiver” form to fill out?
No. There is no formal waiver application. Guyana is not included on the US Department of State’s visa bond pilot list, so the requirement does not apply.
Do Guyanese still need a US visa to travel to the United States?
Yes. Guyana is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa or the appropriate visa type for study, work, or other travel purposes.
How much does it cost to apply for a US visitor visa from Guyana in 2026?
The visa application fee is $185 USD, increasing to $205 on May 30, 2026. With the additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee introduced in late 2025, the total cost is around $435 for most applicants.
What is Guyana’s current visa overstay rate?
According to US Customs and Border Protection data, Guyana’s B1/B2 overstay rate was 5.59% in 2023, the latest publicly available figure.
Could Guyana be added to the bond list in the future?
It is possible but not expected at this time. The visa bond pilot program runs through August 5, 2026, after which the US government will review results. Low overstay rates help reduce the risk of inclusion.
Where can I verify the official list of countries subject to visa bonds?
The official list is published by the US Department of State on travel.state.gov under the “Countries Subject to Visa Bonds” section.
Do interview waivers still apply for Guyanese applicants?
Mostly no. As of September 2025, interview waivers were largely removed for most nonimmigrant visa categories, with limited exceptions for certain renewals within 12 months of expiration.
Final Thoughts
The Guyana USA Travel Bond Waiver is actually a real thing in the sense that Guyanese applicants do not have to pay a bond for the visa, but it is not a separate program that you apply for. It simply indicates that Guyana is not currently on the U.S. State Department’s bond list. This is good news for now. The important thing is that the basic principles of the B1/B2 visa have not changed: proving that you will return to your home country from the U.S., providing clear and complete documentation, and applying ahead of time. Always check the U.S. Embassy Guyana website (gy.usembassy.gov) and travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date and accurate information, especially before making travel or financial decisions.
For any suggestions or changes, please contact us.