The United States government has introduced a new visa bond requirement that could affect Nigerians and citizens of several other countries applying for B1 and B2 visas.
Under the new policy, some visa applicants may be required to post a bond ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars before being allowed to travel. The measure applies to business and tourist visas and does not guarantee visa approval.
Details published on the US Department of State website show that African countries make up the majority of nations affected by the policy. Nigeria is among thirty eight countries listed in the directive released on Tuesday.
According to the State Department, visa bonds are financial guarantees imposed on applicants from countries classified as high risk for visa overstays. The bond amount will be determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.
For Nigeria, the implementation date has been set for January 21, 2026. Other countries affected include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others, with implementation dates varying by country.
Applicants required to post a bond must complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and make payment through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. Authorities warned that payments made without the instruction of a consular officer will not be refunded.
The policy also restricts visa holders who post bonds to entering the United States through designated airports, including John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, Boston Logan International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
The bond will only be refunded if the visa holder departs the United States on or before the expiration of their authorised stay, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry at a US port of entry.
The development comes shortly after the United States placed partial travel restrictions on Nigeria and several other African countries in December. The US government cited security concerns, screening challenges and visa overstay rates as reasons for the restrictions.
For Nigeria, the US also referenced the activities of terrorist groups in parts of the country, as well as overstay rates of 5.56% for B1 and B2 visas and 11.90% for student and exchange visas.
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