The United States government has introduced a new visa bond requirement affecting citizens of 38 countries, including Nigeria, as part of measures to curb visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance.
Under the policy, applicants from the affected countries seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas (for tourism or business) may be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before a visa is issued. The bond will be refunded if the applicant complies with all visa conditions, including departing the United States on or before the approved date.
According to U.S. authorities, the decision is based on historical data showing higher overstay rates among nationals of the affected countries. The bond amount — which may be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — will be determined on a case-by-case basis during the visa interview.
Effective Dates
Most of the countries will come under the new requirement from January 21, 2026, while others were added in phases between August and October 2025. A smaller group will be affected from January 1, 2026.
Countries Affected
The countries cut across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific, and include:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
How the Bond Works
U.S. officials explained that the bond is not a visa fee and does not replace existing application charges. Instead, it serves as a financial guarantee and must be paid through the U.S. Treasury’s official payment system if required.
If a visa application is denied, or if the applicant fully complies with the visa terms after travel, the bond will be refunded. Failure to comply — such as overstaying — could result in forfeiture of the bond.
Implications
The policy has sparked concern among potential travelers, particularly in developing countries, where the bond amount may pose a significant financial burden. However, U.S. authorities insist the measure is targeted and aimed at encouraging compliance rather than restricting legitimate travel.
The visa bond requirement is part of a broader U.S. immigration pilot programme, which may be reviewed or expanded depending on its effectiveness in reducing visa overstays.