New US travel restrictions require Nigerians to post visa bonds of up to $15,000

The United States has announced new travel measures that could require Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas to pay refundable bonds of up to $15,000.

According to a notice issued by the US Department of State, the visa bond policy applies to nationals of 38 countries classified as high-risk, 24 of which are in Africa. Nigeria is included on the list, with the requirement scheduled to take effect on January 21.

Under the new rules, applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa may be asked during their interview to post a bond valued at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The exact amount will be determined by a consular officer at the time of the interview.

The State Department explained that affected applicants must complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and make payments through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. The requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted. Officials also cautioned that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and payments made without explicit instruction from a consular officer will not be refunded.

Applicants who post a bond and are granted visas will be required to enter the United States through designated ports of entry, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Boston Logan International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

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Refunds will only be issued after the Department of Homeland Security confirms that the visa holder departed the US on or before their authorised stay expires, did not travel to the US before the visa expiration date, or was denied entry at a US port of entry.

The announcement comes shortly after the US government imposed partial travel restrictions on Nigeria and several other countries. On December 16, the US placed Nigeria among 15 largely African nations including Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda under partial travel suspensions.