US Introduces Visa Bonds For Nigerians, Others

The United States Government has introduced a new policy requiring visa bonds from Nigerian travellers and nationals of the other 37 countries, which will force applicants to post substantial financial guarantees before being granted US visitor visas.

This measure, announced on Wednesday by the US State Department, will also restrict prospective travellers to specific American airports. This measure for Nigerians will take effect from January 21, 2026.

The U.S. Department of State announced that under this policy, certain applicants seeking B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas from the listed countries will be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on an assessment conducted during their visa interview.

The authorities stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to boost adherence to immigration rules and maintain lawful travel opportunities. However, this will surely cause disaffection in affected countries, especially Nigeria.

This policy is part of what the State Department established under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which is programmed to tackle concerns over visa overstays, particularly among visitors from countries with higher overstay rates.

Apart from Nigeria, several other African nations are on the list, including Benin, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola, and Zambia. There are many other countries in Asia, as well as the Caribbean and Latin America, included in the list.

U.S. authorities also emphasised that the bond requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted, which means that Nigerians applying outside the country will also be affected.

Applicants, who are advised to post a bond, must complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) and make payments exclusively through the U.S. Treasury’s official Pay.gov platform.

The U.S. government also advised applicants against using third-party websites and warned that any funds paid outside official systems will not be processed and a refund will not be made, even as it noted that payment of a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

There appear to be strict conditions attached to the bond, as affected visa holders are required to enter and exit the United States only through three designated airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York), Washington Dulles International Airport (Virginia), and Boston Logan International Airport (Massachusetts).

The new policy specified that failure to comply with the designated ports of entry rule could lead to applicants being denied admission into the United States, stressing that an improperly recorded departure has its consequences under the bond agreement.

The Department of State insisted that visa bonds will be automatically cancelled and refunded if travellers depart the United States on or before the authorised stay expires, do not travel before visa expiration, or are denied entry at the port of arrival.

The statement noted that overstaying, failing to depart, or attempting to change immigration status, including applying for asylum, could result in a bond breach, warning that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would take action in such cases.