Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States for business or tourism will soon face additional financial conditions, following a new policy that introduces refundable visa bonds for certain applicants.
Under guidance issued by the United States Department of State, applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas from Nigeria could be required to post a visa bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the outcome of their visa interview. The measure is designed as a compliance mechanism to ensure that visa holders adhere strictly to the terms of their authorised stay.
Nigeria is listed among 38 countries affected by the directive, most of which are in Africa. For Nigerian applicants, the bond requirement is scheduled to take effect from 21 January 2026.
According to the U.S. authorities, the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved. Applicants are cautioned that any payment made without the explicit instruction of a U.S. consular officer will not be refunded.
Eligible applicants who are required to post a bond must complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and formally accept the bond conditions via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. The requirement applies irrespective of the country or location where the visa application is submitted.
Visa holders who have posted a bond will also be subject to specific entry conditions, including arrival through designated ports of entry such as John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Boston Logan International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
The bond is refundable only under defined circumstances. These include departing the United States on or before the expiration of the authorised stay, not travelling before the visa expires, or being refused entry at a U.S. port of entry. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the forfeiture of the bond.
The policy comes amid a broader tightening of U.S. travel measures affecting Nigeria. In early January 2026, U.S. authorities announced a partial suspension of certain visa issuances for Nigerians. The United States has cited concerns related to security screening, vetting processes, and visa overstay data as factors influencing the inclusion of Nigeria and other countries under expanded visa control measures.
