US introduces Visa Bond requirement for Nigerians, 37 other countries

The United States government has introduced a new visa bond requirement for Nigerian travellers and nationals of 37 other countries, mandating affected applicants to provide significant financial guarantees before being granted U.S. visitor visas.

Under the policy announced by the U.S. Department of State, certain applicants seeking B1/B2 visas for business or tourism will be required to post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the outcome of an assessment conducted during their visa interview. For Nigerian applicants, the requirement will take effect from January 21, 2026.

The measure forms part of a pilot programme established under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, aimed at curbing visa overstays, particularly from countries with higher overstay records.

Nigeria is among several African nations affected by the policy, alongside Benin, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola and Zambia. Other countries on the list span Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America, bringing the total number of affected nations to 38, 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 Pay.gov platform. Officials warned that payments made through third-party websites will not be recognised or refunded.

The Department of State further stressed that payment of a visa bond does not guarantee visa approval, noting that applications may still be denied after payment.

As part of the programme, affected visa holders will be restricted to entering and exiting the United States through three designated airports:

John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia

Boston Logan International Airport, Massachusetts

Failure to comply with the designated ports-of-entry requirement may result in denied admission or an improperly recorded departure, potentially triggering penalties under the bond agreement.

According to U.S. authorities, visa bonds will be automatically cancelled and refunded if travellers leave the United States on or before their authorised stay expires, do not travel before visa expiration, or are denied entry upon arrival.

However, overstaying, failure to depart, or attempts 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.

The U.S. government said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration compliance while preserving lawful travel channels. The policy is, however, expected to attract significant reactions in affected countries, including Nigeria, where travel to the United States remains popular for business, education and family-related visits.