The United States has introduced a new travel policy that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourism visas to pay a refundable visa bond of up to $15,000.

According to details released by the U.S. Department of State, the bond is intended as a financial guarantee to ensure visa holders comply with the terms of their stay. However, payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any payment made without direct instruction from a U.S. consular officer will not be refunded.

Nigeria is among 38 affected countries—mostly in Africa—with the policy set to take effect for Nigerian applicants from January 21, 2026.

Eligible B1/B2 applicants may be required to pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the outcome of their visa interview. Those affected must also complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and formally agree to the bond conditions via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. The requirement applies regardless of the country where the visa application is submitted.

Travellers who post the bond will be required to enter the United States through designated airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York), Boston Logan International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport (Virginia).

The bond will be refunded only if the traveller exits the U.S. on or before the authorised period of stay, if the visa expires without being used, or if entry is denied at a U.S. port of entry. Failure to meet these conditions could lead to forfeiture of the bond.

The move follows other recent visa restrictions affecting Nigerians, including a partial suspension of visa issuance in early January 2026. U.S. authorities have cited security concerns, screening and verification challenges, and visa overstay statistics as reasons for the tighter measures.

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