The United States has broadened a controversial visa bond policy that could require Nigerian nationals and others applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000, the U.S. Department of State said in an official directive.
The policy, affecting B1/B2 visas, applies to citizens from nations such as Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, and others, with implementation for most beginning January 21, 2026, while varying dates apply to some like Bhutan and Botswana from January 1.
“The Department of State has identified certain countries whose nationals applying for B-1/B-2 visas are required to post visa bonds, with implementation dates shown in parentheses,” the directive states.
It adds: “Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined during the visa interview.”
Officials cited Nigeria’s challenges with “substantial screening and vetting difficulties” due to groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State, alongside overstay rates of 5.56 percent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 percent for student and exchange categories.
Bonds are refundable upon timely departure from the US, visa expiration without travel, or denial at entry points, but payment does not assure approval, and unauthorized fees are non-refundable.
Applicants must use DHS Form I-352 and pay via Pay.gov, with arrivals limited to Boston Logan, New York’s JFK, or Washington Dulles airports.
The measure builds on partial travel bans announced December 16, 2025, suspending various visa types for Nigeria and 14 other African states, as Washington tightens immigration controls under the current administration.
