By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United States government has introduced a new rule that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to pay a bond of up to $15,000, about ₦22 million.
According to information published on the US Department of State’s website, Travel.State.Gov, the bond is a financial guarantee and does not mean a visa will be approved. The government also warned that any bond paid without the instruction of a US consular officer will not be refunded.
The policy is part of a new directive affecting 38 countries, most of them in Africa. Nigeria is among 24 African nations listed. The new requirement will take effect for Nigerian applicants on January 21, 2026.
The State Department explained that visa bonds apply to applicants from countries considered high-risk, even when they are otherwise eligible for B1/B2 visas. During the visa interview, applicants may be asked to pay $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the decision of the consular officer.
Applicants required to post the bond must submit Form I-352 from the US Department of Homeland Security and make payment through Pay.gov, the US Treasury’s online platform. The rule applies no matter where the visa application is made.
Visa holders who pay the bond must enter the US through selected airports, including New York’s JFK, Boston Logan, and Washington Dulles airports.
The bond will only be refunded if the traveller leaves the US on or before the approved stay period, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry at a US port.
This development comes just days after the US placed Nigeria among 15 countries under partial travel restrictions. The US cited security concerns, the activities of terrorist groups, and Nigeria’s visa overstay rates as reasons for the new measures.
