The United States government has unveiled new visa restrictions that could require Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas to post a bond of up to $15,000, as part of expanded efforts to curb visa overstays.

The policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State, affects nationals of 38 countries, including 24 African nations such as Nigeria.

Under the new measure, the bond requirement will take effect for Nigerian applicants on January 21, 2026.

According to the State Department, the rule applies to individuals who are deemed eligible for B1/B2 visas but are assessed by consular officers as needing additional assurance that they will return to their home country after their U.S. visit.

The agency emphasised that posting a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

“The bond does not guarantee visa issuance and payments made without the instruction of a consular officer will not be refunded,” the State Department stated.

The introduction of the visa bond requirement forms part of Washington’s broader strategy to discourage overstays by foreign visitors, particularly in categories where significant numbers of travellers are assessed to be at higher risk of failing to depart the United States at the end of their authorised stay.

Countries included in the policy span multiple regions, and Nigeria’s inclusion underscores rising concerns within U.S. immigration circles about patterns of overstay among certain nationalities.

The State Department stressed that the bond acts as a financial guarantee and does not override the standard visa adjudication process.

In its guidance, the department warned applicants to only make payments when instructed by a consular officer, noting: “Payments made without the instruction of a consular officer will not be refunded.”

Here is the full list of countries subject to the U.S. visa bond requirement, along with their respective implementation dates.

1. Algeria

2. Angola

3. Antigua and Barbuda

4. Bangladesh

5. Benin

6. Burundi

7. Cabo Verde

8. Côte d’Ivoire

9. Cuba

10. Djibouti

11. Dominica