Nigeria, 49 other countries affected as US introduces $20,000 visa bond policy

Nigeria has been listed among 50 countries whose citizens may be required to pay a refundable visa bond of up to $20,000 before obtaining certain United States visas.

The policy, which has now been made permanent by the US government, primarily affects applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas.

Under the programme, a US consular officer may direct eligible applicants to post a bond as a condition for visa issuance.

However, the requirement will not apply automatically to all applicants from the affected countries.

According to the US Department of State, the visa bond initiative was first introduced as a pilot programme in 2025 to strengthen compliance with immigration laws and reduce visa overstays.

The US government said data gathered during the pilot phase showed the scheme was effective in ensuring that visitors complied with the terms of their visas and departed the country before their authorised stay expired.

Travellers, who comply with visa conditions and leave the United States within the approved period, will receive a full refund of the bond, however, those who overstay, violate immigration rules or fail to meet programme requirements risk forfeiting the money.

Applicants directed to participate in the scheme must complete Form I-352 issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

The bond may be paid by the applicant or by a third party, including relatives, friends or business associates.

Authorities warned that applicants should not make any payment unless specifically instructed by a US consular officer, stressing that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval.

The affected countries include Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others.

The US government also stated that travellers covered by the programme must enter and leave the country through approved commercial airports or designated preclearance locations.

According to the authorities, the bond will be refunded if the visa holder leaves the United States before the authorised stay expires, never uses the visa before it expires, or is denied entry at a US port of entry.

The policy is backed by provisions of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and applies to eligible applicants regardless of the country where they submit their visa application.