The United States government has announced a new immigration measure that will significantly affect Nigerian travellers and nationals of 37 other countries seeking to visit the US. Under the new policy, certain applicants will be required to pay a visa bond before being granted a US visitor visa.
The policy, announced by the US Department of State is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, and will apply primarily to B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel.
What the Visa Bond Policy Means
Under the new rule, visa applicants from the affected countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the outcome of their visa interview and individual risk assessment. The bond serves as a financial guarantee to ensure compliance with US immigration laws, particularly regarding visa overstays.
According to the State Department, the policy is aimed at strengthening adherence to immigration rules while maintaining lawful travel opportunities. It was established under Section 221(g)(3) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which addresses concerns over high visa overstay rates among visitors from specific countries.
Countries Affected
Nigeria is among several African countries listed under the new policy. Others include Benin, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola, and Zambia. In addition, several countries across Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America are also affected.
Importantly, the bond requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted, meaning Nigerians applying for US visas outside Nigeria will still be subject to the rule.
Payment Process and Conditions
Applicants who are required to pay a bond must complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352, also known as the Immigration Bond form, and make payments exclusively through the US Treasury’s official Pay.gov platform. The US government has strongly warned applicants against using third-party websites, noting that payments made outside official channels will neither be processed nor refunded.
It is also important to note that payment of a visa bond does not guarantee visa approval.
Restricted Ports of Entry
Under the new policy, affected visa holders will be permitted to enter and exit the United States only through three designated airports:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (Virginia)
- Boston Logan International Airport (Massachusetts)
Failure to comply with these designated ports of entry may result in denial of admission into the US. The State Department also emphasized that improper or unrecorded departures could have serious consequences under the bond agreement.
Refunds and Penalties
The US Department of State clarified that visa bonds will be automatically cancelled and refunded if:
- The traveller departs the US on or before the authorised stay expires
- The traveller does not use the visa before it expires
- The traveller is denied entry at the port of arrival
However, overstaying, failing to depart, or attempting to change immigration status including applying for asylum, may result in a bond breach. In such cases, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may take enforcement action.
Final Note
While the US government maintains that the visa bond policy is intended to promote compliance with immigration laws, the measure is expected to generate significant concern and criticism in affected countries, particularly Nigeria, due to the substantial financial burden it places on prospective travellers.
As the implementation date approaches, travellers are advised to stay informed, plan carefully, and ensure full compliance with all visa conditions to avoid financial loss or immigration penalties.
