The United States government has announced new travel restrictions requiring certain foreign nationals, including Nigerians, applying for B1/B2 visas to post financial bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the visa interview outcome. The policy will take effect for Nigeria on January 21, 2026, according to information released on the US Department of State’s website, Travel.State.Gov.

The measure applies to countries classified as high-risk and is intended as a financial guarantee for visa applicants. However, the Department of State emphasized that paying a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and any fees paid without direction from a consular officer are non-refundable.

Out of the 38 countries listed in the update, 24 are African nations, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Other affected countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and others.

Key Requirements for Visa Bond Applicants

  • Form Submission: Applicants must submit the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352.
  • Bond Payment: Bonds are to be processed through the US Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov.
  • Designated Entry Points: Visa holders who post bonds must enter the US through specific airports, including Boston Logan International, John F. Kennedy International in New York, and Washington Dulles International.
  • Refund Conditions: Bonds are refundable only when:
    1. The visa holder departs the US on or before the authorized stay expires.
    2. The applicant does not travel before the visa expires.
    3. The applicant applies for admission and is denied entry at a US port.

The US government’s directive comes one week after partial travel restrictions were imposed on Nigeria and 14 other countries on December 16, citing security concerns related to Boko Haram and Islamic State operations in certain regions, as well as high overstay rates—5.56% for B1/B2 visas and 11.9% for F, M, and J visa holders.

Visa bonds are intended to mitigate risks associated with overstays and improve compliance with US immigration regulations, particularly for travelers from countries deemed high-risk. Applicants are advised to prepare for additional financial and administrative requirements when applying for US visas beginning January 2026.

This marks a significant shift in US-Nigeria travel relations and adds a new layer of complexity for Nigerian travelers seeking business or tourism visas to the United States.