THE United States has announced a new policy that could require Nigerians and travellers from several other countries to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 business or tourist visas.
According to the US Department of State, the measure targets nationals from countries classified as high-risk and is intended to serve as a financial guarantee to ensure compliance with visa conditions. The policy further tightens entry requirements, coming shortly after the US introduced partial travel restrictions on Nigeria and other countries.
Information published on the State Department’s Travel.State.Gov website notes that any fees paid without the instruction of a consular officer are non-refundable and do not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
Out of 38 countries listed under the new directive, 24 are African nations, including Nigeria. The affected countries have been assigned different implementation dates, with Nigeria’s set for January 21, 2026.
The US cited security concerns in Nigeria, particularly the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of the country, which it said pose significant screening and vetting challenges. It also referenced visa overstay rates of 5.56 per cent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M and J visas as part of the justification for Nigeria’s inclusion.
Under the directive, applicants from the listed countries who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa will be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the exact amount determined during the visa interview. Applicants must also submit Form I-352 from the Department of Homeland Security and complete payment through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.
Nigeria is among several mostly African countries that were placed under partial US travel suspensions in December. Visa holders required to post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, including Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
The bond will only be refunded if the traveller departs the US on or before the expiry of their authorised stay, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry at a US port of entry.