The US requires Nigerian B1/B2 visa applicants to post bonds of $5,000–$15,000 starting January 21, 2026, amid security and overstay concerns

The United States has introduced new travel restrictions requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas to post bonds of up to $15,000.

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The US Department of State published the directive on its Travel.State.Gov website on Tuesday, clarifying that payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance. Fees paid without consular instruction will not be refunded.

Nigeria is among 24 African countries included in the list of 38 nations classified as high-risk for business or tourism visa applications. The bond requirement for Nigerians takes effect on January 21, 2026.

Visa bonds are financial guarantees imposed on foreign nationals from high-risk countries. The amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—is determined during the visa interview.

Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.

Holders of visas with bonds must enter the United States via designated airports, including Boston Logan, John F. Kennedy in New York, and Washington Dulles in Virginia.

Bonds are refundable only when DHS records departure before the authorised stay ends, the applicant does not travel before visa expiry, or the traveller is denied entry at a US port.

This announcement follows partial US travel restrictions on Nigeria issued on December 16, 2025, alongside 14 other mostly African countries.

The US cited operations of Boko Haram and the Islamic State in Nigeria as well as overstay rates of 5.56 per cent for B1/B2 visas and nearly 12 per cent for F, M, and J visas as justifications.

Travel suspensions cover immigrant and non-immigrant categories, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.

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The Department of State stressed that these measures aim to strengthen screening and vetting procedures for high-risk travellers while maintaining eligibility criteria for B1/B2 visas.