The United States has introduced visa bonds of up to $15,000 for Nigerians and nationals of several other countries applying for B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism. The measure, announced by the US Department of State, further tightens entry conditions following the introduction of partial travel restrictions on Nigeria in December.
According to information published on the State Department’s website, Travel.State.Gov, applicants from countries classified as high risk may be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. The department said the bond amount would be determined during the visa interview and would not guarantee automatic visa approval.
Nigeria is among 38 countries affected by the policy, 24 of which are in Africa, with implementation for Nigerians scheduled for January 21, 2026. The US cited security concerns, including the activities of terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria, as well as visa overstay rates, as reasons for the designation.
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The directive states that visa holders who post bonds must comply with strict entry and exit conditions for refunds to be issued. The bond will only be returned if the traveller departs the United States before the authorised stay expires, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied admission at a US port of entry.
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