The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia held a meeting with the Deputy Head of the U.S. Embassy mission in Ulaanbaatar, Neil Vermillion, reports MiddleAsianNews.
As previously reported, the U.S. has added Mongolia to the list of countries with a visa bond.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "The U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security included Mongolia among the 12 countries allowed to participate in the visa bond program for B1/B2 visa applicants. This decision is aimed at improving compliance monitoring of the visa regime and minimizing the risks of violations of visa conditions for foreigners arriving in the U.S. In this regard, on March 19, 2026, the Mongolian side met with American diplomats, led by Neil Vermillion," the official statement specifies.
During the meeting, representatives of Mongolia expressed confusion regarding the decision and expressed regret that it could negatively impact business, tourism, and interpersonal relations between the two countries. The Mongolian side also hopes for the support of the U.S. Embassy in the process of removing the country from this list.
On the other hand, the American side emphasized that the expansion of the visa bond program, now covering 50 countries instead of 38, is part of their strategy to strengthen visa control and prevent violations. They are ready to provide Mongolia with additional information on this matter and continue cooperation in the effort to remove the country from the list.
