US introduces visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 for Nigerians, others

The United States government has rolled out a new visa bond requirement that could affect Nigerians and citizens of several other countries applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas.

Under this updated policy, applicants from selected nations must post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as part of their entry requirements.

According to the US State Department, paying the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued — consular officers still decide visa approval.

Also, any bond paid without specific instruction from a consular officer will not be refunded.

Nigeria is on the list of affected countries, with the new requirement set to take effect on January 21, 2026.

The updated list covers 38 countries, most of them in Africa, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cuba, Senegal, and others.

The bond program is aimed at nationals from countries identified as having higher visa overstay rates or other immigration concerns.

Applicants will be required to submit the bond through the Department of Homeland Security and agree to terms via the US Treasury’s online payment system (Pay.gov).

Additionally, travelers who post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, such as Boston Logan, New York’s JFK, or Washington Dulles.

The bond will be refunded once the traveler leaves the country on or before the authorized date, or if the visa application is denied.

This move comes shortly after the US introduced partial travel restrictions affecting Nigerian visa processing, citing security concerns and screening difficulties.