US To Enforce Visa Bond Of Up To $15,000 For Nigerians From January 2026
The United States has unveiled new travel rules that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000.
Information released by the US Department of State on Travel.State.Gov makes it clear that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval. It also stressed that any fees paid without a consular officer’s instruction will not be refunded.
The policy affects 38 countries, with African nations making up 24 of those listed, including Nigeria. The visa bond is a financial guarantee imposed on applicants from countries the US classifies as high-risk and applies strictly to B1/B2 visa categories.
For Nigeria, the bond requirement is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, although implementation dates vary for other affected countries between August 2025 and January 2026.
Under the directive, eligible applicants travelling on passports from the listed countries will be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined during the visa interview.
Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and formally agree to the bond conditions through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov online payment platform. This requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is filed.
The State Department added 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.
Refunds will only be issued if the Department of Homeland Security confirms that the traveller left the United States on or before the end of their authorised stay, if the applicant does not travel before the visa expires, or if entry is denied at a US port of entry.
