US Introduces $15,000 Visa Bond For Nigerians, Others

US Introduces $15,000 Visa Bond for Nigerians and Other Nationals

In a significant policy shift, the United States Department of State has announced the introduction of visa bonds of up to $15,000 for certain foreign nationals applying for B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel.

This directive, released in early January 2026, specifically targets countries classified as high-risk due to elevated visa overstay rates and security concerns. Nigeria is among the nations affected, alongside 37 others, many of which are African states.

The visa bond policy requires applicants from these countries to post a financial guarantee ranging between $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. The exact amount is determined during the visa interview process.

Applicants must also complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms through the US Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov. . Importantly, the bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and fees paid without consular direction will not be refunded.

For Nigeria, the implementation date is set for January 21, 2026. The US government cited the presence of radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of the country, which have created “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.” Additionally, Nigeria’s relatively high visa overstay rates, 5.56 percent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 percent for student and exchange visas (F, M, and J categories), were highlighted as justification for inclusion in the program.

The policy stipulates that visa holders who 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. Bonds will only be refunded under specific conditions: when the visa holder departs the US before the expiration of their authorized stay, when the applicant does not travel before the visa expires, or when admission at a US port of entry is denied.

This development follows earlier partial travel restrictions imposed on Nigeria and 14 other countries in December 2025, which covered both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories. The introduction of visa bonds further tightens entry conditions, reflecting Washington’s growing concerns over immigration compliance and national security.

The measure has sparked debate across affected nations, with critics arguing that it disproportionately burdens travelers from developing countries, while US officials maintain that it is a necessary safeguard against overstays and unlawful residency.

For many Nigerians and other nationals, the financial requirement represents a formidable barrier to travel, raising questions about accessibility, fairness, and the broader implications for international relations.