New US Visa Rule Sparks Concern as Nigerians Face Fresh Requirement

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Nigeria has been included among 50 nations whose citizens could be required to pay a refundable visa bond of up to $20,000 before qualifying for certain United States visas.

The newly adopted policy, which has been made a permanent measure by the US government, mainly targets applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas.

Under the arrangement, a US consular officer has the discretion to require qualified applicants to provide a visa bond before their visa can be issued.

The requirement, however, will not automatically apply to every applicant from the affected countries.

According to the US Department of State, the visa bond programme was initially launched as a pilot initiative in 2025 to improve compliance with immigration regulations and curb visa overstays.

The US authorities explained that findings from the trial phase indicated the programme helped ensure visitors complied with the terms of their visas and departed the country before the expiration of their authorised stay.

Travellers who obey visa conditions and exit the United States within the approved period will receive a full refund of the bond. However, those who overstay, breach immigration regulations or fail to satisfy the programme’s requirements stand to lose the money.

Applicants selected for the programme will be required to complete Form I-352 issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

The bond can be paid either by the applicant or by another person, including family members, friends or business associates.

US authorities also cautioned applicants against making any payment unless they receive specific instructions from a consular officer, stressing that payment of the bond does not automatically guarantee visa approval.

Countries listed under the policy 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 further stated that travellers covered by the policy must enter and depart the country through approved commercial airports or designated preclearance facilities.

Authorities added that the bond would be refunded if the visa holder leaves the United States before the authorised period expires, does not use the visa before its validity ends, or is refused entry at a US port of entry.

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

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