Kathmandu, Jan. 7 -- The US administration has added 25 more countries, including Nepal, to a list of nations whose citizens may be required to post visa bonds of up to $15,000 to obtain US visitor visas.

With the latest additions, the total number of countries under the pilot programme has reached 38, Reuters reported.

According to the US State Department website, the new requirement for the added countries, including Nepal, will take effect on January 21.

The policy applies to applicants found otherwise eligible for B1 or B2 visas. "Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000," the State Department...