USA implements visa bonds of up to $15,000 for Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas

The United States has implemented new travel regulations mandating that Nigerians seeking B1/B2 visas (for business and tourism) must post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. This requirement will be effective in Nigeria starting January 21, 2026.

These visa bonds serve as financial guarantees required by the US State Department for nationals from countries deemed “high-risk.” According to a notice from the State Department released on Tuesday, 24 of the 38 countries on the updated list are from Africa, including Nigeria.

The notice specifies, “Any citizen or national traveling on a passport from these countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.” Applicants must also complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and accept the bond’s terms via the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. It’s important to note that posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval, and fees submitted without consular instructions are non-refundable.

Visa holders required to post bonds can only enter the US through specific airports, including Boston Logan, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles. Refunds for bonds will only be issued once the Department of Homeland Security verifies the visa holder’s departure, if the visa expires without travel, or if entry is denied at the port.

This change follows previous US travel restrictions on Nigeria that began on December 16, 2025, impacting Nigeria along with 14 other primarily African nations. The US pointed to security issues, including the actions of extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS in some regions of Nigeria, as well as high rates of visa overstays among Nigerian nationals.

The partial suspension affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including categories B1, B2, B1/B2, F, M, and J, and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.