The United States government has announced a new visa bond requirement for Nigerian travellers, along with nationals of 37 other countries, mandating applicants to post substantial financial guarantees before receiving U.S. visitor visas. The policy also restricts entry and exit to designated American airports.
Under the policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State, applicants seeking B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas from affected countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on an assessment conducted during the visa interview. For Nigerians, the measure will take effect on January 21, 2026.
The initiative is part of a pilot program under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, targeting concerns over visa overstays, particularly from countries with higher rates of non-compliance.
Nigeria joins several African nations on the list, including Benin, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola, and Zambia, alongside countries from Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Implementation dates for affected countries range 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 the 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 using third-party websites, noting that payments outside official channels will not be recognised or refunded.
Conditions and Airport Restrictions
The Department of State emphasised that payment of a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance, as applications may still be refused. Additionally, 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)
- Boston Logan International Airport (Massachusetts)
Non-compliance with these port-of-entry rules may result in denied admission or an improperly recorded departure, triggering penalties under the bond agreement.
Visa bonds will be automatically cancelled and refunded if travellers depart the United States on or before their authorised stay, 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 result in bond forfeiture, with cases referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for enforcement.
The U.S. government described the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration compliance while maintaining lawful travel opportunities, though it 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.
