The United States has announced new travel rules that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 (business and tourist) visas to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000.
Visa bonds are financial guarantees designed to ensure that visa holders comply with their visa conditions, including leaving the U.S. when their authorized stay ends. The measure applies to 38 countries, including 24 African nations, with Nigeria’s implementation scheduled for January 21, according to the U.S. State Department.
Under the new rules, eligible applicants must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined during the visa interview. Applicants must also submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to bond terms via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.
Officials stressed that paying a bond does not guarantee visa approval. Fees paid without a consular officer’s instruction are non-refundable. Visa holders who post bonds must enter the U.S. through designated airports, including John F. Kennedy (New York), Boston Logan, and Washington Dulles. Bonds are refundable only if the traveler leaves on time, never travels before the visa expires, or is denied entry.
The policy follows partial U.S. travel restrictions on Nigeria, effective January 1, citing security concerns related to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State, as well as high visa overstay rates—5.56% for B1/B2 visas and 11.90% for student and exchange visas (F, M, J).
The restrictions apply to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J categories.
The new rule raises questions about how accessible U.S. travel will be for Nigerians and whether posting bonds will complicate visa approval.
