Nigerian citizens and nationals from 37 other countries, most of them African, will now have to post a financial bond of up to $15,000 (approximately ₦21 million) to obtain a visitor visa to the United States, according to a new policy announced by the US Department of State.
The updated directive, published on the official Travel.State.Gov website, lists Nigeria among 38 “high-risk” nations whose passport holders will be subject to the new bond requirement when applying for B1/B2 visas for business or tourism.
The implementation date for Nigeria is set for 21st January, 2026.
Under the new rules, applicants from the listed countries who are otherwise deemed eligible for a visa at their interview will be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the specific amount determined by the consular officer.
The bond payment, made via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform, does not guarantee visa issuance, and any fee paid without direct instruction from an officer will not be refunded.
“The requirement applies regardless of the place of application,” the State Department clarified.
Other affected African nations include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The list also includes countries from Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands, such as Bangladesh, Cuba, Fiji, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Venezuela.
Stringent Conditions for Refund
The bond system imposes strict conditions for repayment. Refunds will only be issued if:
· The Department of Homeland Security records the traveller’s departure from the U.S. before their authorised stay expires.
· The applicant does not use the visa to travel before it expires.
· The traveller is denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.
Additionally, those who post a bond must enter the United States through designated airports, including Boston Logan, New York’s JFK, and Washington Dulles.
Latest in a Series of Restrictions
This policy is the latest in a series of escalating travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. on Nigeria. Just last month, on 16th December, Nigeria was placed under a partial travel suspension, citing “substantial screening and vetting difficulties” due to terrorist group activities and concerning overstay rates for certain visa categories.
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