The United States government has introduced new travel restrictions requiring Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to post bonds of up to $15,000 (about N22 million).

According to the US Department of State, payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and fees paid without a consular officer’s instruction are non-refundable. Nigeria is among 24 African countries listed in the updated directive, which takes effect on January 21, 2026.

Visa bonds act as financial guarantees for nationals of countries classified as high-risk. The required amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—is determined during the visa interview. Applicants must submit Form I-352 to the Department of Homeland Security and pay via the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.

Bonded visa holders are required to enter the US through designated airports, including Boston Logan, New York’s JFK, and Washington Dulles. Refunds are granted only if the traveller departs the US on time, does not travel before visa expiry, or is denied admission at a US port of entry.

The announcement follows partial travel restrictions on Nigeria announced in December 2025, citing security concerns related to Boko Haram and Islamic State operations, as well as high visa overstay rates.