Nepali Travellers Face U.S. Visa Bond and a New Channel to Report Fraud

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal is asking the public to report suspected U.S. visa fraud, pointing people to a reporting page run by the U.S. State Department. In a post on X, the embassy said the department is stepping up efforts to detect and stop attempts to travel to the United States through fraud or for unlawful purposes.

Key facts

• Where to report: the State Department's visa fraud reporting page at travel.state.gov/reportvisafraud
• Who can report: any member of the public; reports may be submitted anonymously
• Visa bond for Nepali nationals: in effect since 21 January 2026 for B-1/B-2 visitor visas
• Bond amounts: $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, set by a consular officer at the interview

How does the reporting process work?

The State Department's page lets members of the public submit information about suspected visa fraud or visa misuse. People can report anonymously, but those who give their name and email address may be contacted for further details.

The department encourages reporters to include as much detail as possible, saying identifying information can raise the chances that a report leads to a successful investigation. Under the department's privacy notice, submitted information may be used to start or support law enforcement investigations or reviews of immigration actions.

An accompanying graphic in Nepali described a U.S. visa as a privilege rather than a right and encouraged the public to help authorities by reporting suspected fraud. The embassy said the State Department is carrying out "rigorous fraud detection and prevention activities" against attempts to reach the United States through fraudulent means or for illegal purposes.

Why is this relevant for Nepali applicants?

The appeal comes as Nepali nationals face extra requirements for certain U.S. visas. Nepal is among the countries covered by the U.S. visa bond requirement for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, which cover temporary travel for business or tourism. The requirement took effect for Nepali nationals on 21 January 2026.

Under the policy, applicants travelling on Nepali passports who are otherwise eligible for B-1/B-2 visas must post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. A consular officer decides the amount during the visa interview, and the requirement applies no matter which country the application is submitted in.

What this means for travellers

Nepali passport holders applying for a B-1/B-2 visa should expect to be told at the interview whether a bond is required and how much it will be. The State Department instructs applicants to pay only after receiving directions from a consular officer and to use the government's designated payment process. Posting a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Anyone who suspects U.S. visa fraud can submit details through the State Department's reporting page, either with their contact information or anonymously.