The United States government has introduced a new visa bond requirement for Nigerian travellers and nationals of 37 other countries, mandating affected applicants to post substantial financial guarantees before being granted U.S. visitor visas and restricting their entry and exit to specific American airports.
Under the new policy announced by the U.S. Department of State, 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 the outcome of an assessment conducted during their visa interview. For Nigerians, the requirement will take effect on January 21, 2026.
The measure is part of a pilot programme established under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, aimed at addressing concerns over visa overstays, particularly from countries with higher overstay rates.
Nigeria joins several African countries on the list, including Benin, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola and Zambia, alongside countries from Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America. In total, nationals of 38 countries are affected, with implementation dates ranging from August 2025 to January 2026.
U.S. authorities clarified that the bond requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted, meaning Nigerians applying from outside the country will also be subject to the policy.
Applicants required 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. Officials warned against the use of third-party websites, noting that payments made outside official channels will not be recognised or refunded.
The Department of State further emphasised that payment of a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance, as applications may still be refused after payment.
As part of the conditions, affected visa holders must 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).
Failure to comply with the designated ports-of-entry rule may result in denied admission or an improperly recorded departure, which could trigger penalties under the bond agreement.
According to U.S. authorities, visa bonds will be automatically cancelled and refunded if travellers depart the United States on or before their authorised stay expires, do not travel before visa expiration, or are denied entry at the port of arrival.
However, overstaying, failing to depart, or attempting to change immigration status — including applying for asylum — may lead to forfeiture of the bond, with cases referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for enforcement action.
The U.S. government said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration compliance while maintaining lawful travel opportunities, though the policy is expected to generate significant reactions in affected countries, including Nigeria, where travel to the United States remains popular for business, education and family visits.
Michael Olugbode, Abuja
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