The United States has introduced new measures requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to post bonds of up to $15,000 (around N22 million). According to the US Department of State, payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any fees paid without a consular officer’s direction are non-refundable.
The new requirement affects citizens of 38 countries, including 24 African nations, with Nigeria’s implementation set for January 21, 2026. The bond amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—is determined during the visa interview. Applicants must submit Form I-352 through the Department of Homeland Security and complete payment via the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.
Visa holders posting bonds must enter the US through designated airports, including Boston Logan, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles. Bonds are refunded only when travelers leave the US on or before their visa expires, do not travel before visa expiration, or are denied admission at a US port of entry.
This directive follows partial travel restrictions imposed on Nigeria in December 2025, citing terrorism risks and high visa overstay rates—5.56% for B1/B2 visas and 11.9% for F, M, and J visas.