US Introduces Up to $15,000 Visa Bond Requirement for Nigerians, Others

The United States has announced a new visa policy that may require Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before travelling.

Under the directive, nationals of certain countries assessed as high-risk may be asked to post a financial guarantee as part of their visa conditions. The bond amount, set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, will be determined by a consular officer during the visa interview and does not in any way guarantee visa approval.

Nigeria is among 38 countries affected by the measure, with African nations accounting for the majority. For Nigerians, the policy is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026.

The bond requirement applies strictly to applicants who are otherwise deemed eligible for B1/B2 visas. Applicants will be required to complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and make payment through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. Payments made outside official instructions will not be refunded.

Visa holders who post bonds will also be required to enter the United States through designated ports of entry, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Boston Logan International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

Refunds will only be issued if the traveller departs the US on or before the expiration of their authorised stay, does not use the visa before it expires, or is denied entry at a US port of entry.

The policy follows recent partial travel restrictions imposed on Nigeria and several other countries. US authorities previously cited security concerns and challenges with screening and vetting, alongside visa overstay rates, as reasons for the tighter controls.

According to US data, Nigeria recorded an overstay rate of 5.56 per cent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 per cent for student and exchange visas, figures that contributed to its inclusion in the new measures.

The latest development signals a stricter US stance on short-term travel from countries facing security and immigration compliance concerns, adding financial and procedural hurdles for affected applicants.