The United States has announced a new visa policy that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourism visas to pay a refundable visa bond of up to $15,000.
According to details released by the U.S. Department of State, the bond serves as a financial guarantee to ensure visa holders comply with the terms of their stay. However, payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any payment made without direct instruction from a U.S. consular officer will not be refunded.
Nigeria is among 38 countries affected by the directive most of them in Africa with the policy set to take effect for Nigerian applicants on January 21, 2026.
Eligible applicants may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the outcome of their visa interview. Applicants will also be required to complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and accept the bond terms via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. The requirement applies regardless of the location where the visa application is submitted.
Under the new rules, visa holders who post a bond must enter the United States through designated airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Boston Logan International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
The bond will be refunded only if the traveller leaves the United States on or before the authorised stay expires, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry at a U.S. port of entry. Failure to meet these conditions may result in forfeiture of the bond.
The visa bond policy follows other recent U.S. travel measures affecting Nigerians, including a partial suspension of visa issuance that began in early January 2026. U.S. authorities have cited security concerns, challenges with screening and vetting, and visa overstay data as reasons for expanding stricter visa controls to Nigeria and other countries.
