US imposes up to $20,000 visa bond requirement on Nigeria, 49 other countries

The United States has included Nigeria among 50 countries whose citizens may be required to pay visa bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for certain visitor visas.

According to Vanguard, the US Department of State confirmed the requirement in a notice published on October 2, 2026.

The policy applies to eligible applicants seeking B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas, with bond amounts fixed at $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000.

Nigeria’s implementation date was January 21, 2026.

The State Department explained that consular officers would determine the applicable amount during visa interviews.

Applicants must complete Form I-352 and make payments through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform only after receiving official instructions.

The department warned that paying a bond does not guarantee visa approval.

It added that deposits may be refunded when travellers comply with visa conditions and leave the United States within their authorised stay.

Bond holders must also enter and depart through designated commercial airports.