The United States government has introduced a controversial visa bond requirement that could require applicants from Nigeria and other countries to post security bonds of up to $15,000 before entering the United States on B1/B2 business or tourist visas. The new policy, announced by the US Department of State, forms part of broader entry regulations aimed at enhancing immigration compliance and reducing visa overstays.
Under the updated rules, which take effect on January 21, 2026, nationals from 38 countries—many in Africa, Latin America, and Asia—will face the possibility of posting a visa bond, depending on their nationality and other risk assessments during the visa interview process.
Critics contend the measure could make US travel prohibitively expensive for many families and business travelers, while proponents argue it will boost compliance with visa conditions and deter overstays.
What the New Visa Bond Requirement Means
How It Works
According to the US Department of State, certain B1/B2 (business and tourist) visa applicants will be required to provide a financial bond—a refundable deposit that essentially guarantees compliance with visa conditions.
- The maximum bond amount is $15,000, though applicants may be asked to post $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 depending on their individual assessment at the visa interview.
- Applicants must complete Form I-352 with the Department of Homeland Security and agree to the bond terms through the US Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.
- Paying a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued—visa approval remains at the discretion of consular officers.
- Bonds are refundable only if the holder:
- leaves the United States by the date their visa authorises,
- does not travel to the United States before the visa expires, or
- is denied entry at a US port of entry.
Countries Affected
The bond requirement was originally part of a pilot programme but has now been expanded to 38 countries under a policy signed by the Trump administration. Most of the affected nations are in Africa, though several in Asia and Latin America are also on the list.
Countries affected include, but are not limited to:
- Nigeria
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Senegal
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
- Gabon
- Cuba
- Venezuela
The full list covers countries previously added and newly included ones under the expanded policy.
The policy takes effect on January 21, 2026 for Nigeria and most other newly listed countries.
Why the US Introduced Visa Bonds
US officials say the visa bond requirement is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration controls and reduce the incidence of visa overstays, where travelers remain in the country beyond their authorized period.
Authorities have cited:
- security screening challenges,
- high rates of visa overstays from certain countries, and
- concerns about tracking visitor departures and compliance.
These visa bond requirements have been introduced amid wider immigration policy initiatives under the Trump administration, aimed at tightening entry for travellers from countries considered high risk due to security or overstay data.
What This Means for Nigerian Travelers
For Nigerians seeking to visit the United States for tourism or business, the introduction of visa bonds could pose significant financial barriers:
- Cost: Families or individuals might need to secure large sums—up to $15,000—to satisfy bond requirements.
- No Guarantee of Visa Approval: Even after posting a bond, visa issuance is not assured and remains at the consular officer’s discretion.
- Refund Conditions: The bond will be refunded only when visa conditions are fully met, including timely departure from the United States.
- Designated Entry Points: Some reporting notes that travellers subject to visa bonds may need to enter the United States via specified major airports to ensure departures are properly recorded.
Given income disparities and economic conditions in many affected countries, critics argue this requirement could effectively price many travellers out of legitimate US travel opportunities.
Reactions and Criticisms
Concerns Over Accessibility
Critics warn that the policy could make US travel unaffordable for many families, students, professionals, and small business owners from affected countries, including Nigeria. Given the bond amounts range between $5,000 and $15,000—well above the means of many citizens in the Global South—some observers say the policy unfairly penalises lawful travellers.
Security vs. Discrimination Debate
Supporters within the Trump administration frame the bond programme as a security enhancement and a method to improve compliance with immigration law. Opponents counter that it could functionally discriminate against applicants from poorer nations with historically lower visa overstay data or less robust passport infrastructure.
When and How the Policy Will Take Effect
The trimmed-down visa bond requirement will start in phases, with many countries, including Nigeria, implementing the rule from January 21, 2026. Applicants will be informed by consular officers during visa interviews if a bond is required in their case.
Travellers are strongly advised to:
- not pay any bond or fee unless explicitly directed by a US consular officer,
- avoid third-party platforms, and
- Use only official US government systems such as Pay.gov for any payments.
Leave a Reply