Travelers from some countries, including Nigeria, are about to face stricter rules when applying for US visas.
Starting in January 2026, applicants for B1/B2 visas may be required to post financial bonds as part of the process.
These changes aim to strengthen the screening of travelers from nations considered high-risk by the US government.
How the Visa Bond System Works
According to the US Department of State’s official website, Travel.State.Gov, posting a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
Any payments made without guidance from a consular officer will not be refunded.
Essentially, this bond acts as a financial guarantee that applicants will comply with US visa rules.
The bond amount ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 and is determined during the visa interview.
Applicants are also required to complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and agree to the terms via the US Treasury’s online platform, Pay.gov.
These rules apply to all applicants, no matter where they submit their visa applications.
Which Countries Are Affected
The new list covers 38 nations, with African countries making up 24 of them.
Nigeria is among the countries where visa bond rules will take effect starting January 21, 2026. Other African countries included are Algeria, Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Several non-African countries are also affected, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.
Each country has a specific implementation date, which can vary from January 1, 2026, to later in the year.
Rules for Entering the United States
Applicants who post bonds must enter the US through designated airports.
These include Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
Refunds for bonds are issued only under specific conditions:
- The visa holder departs the US on or before the authorized stay expires.
- The applicant does not travel before the visa expires.
- The applicant is denied admission at a US port of entry.
Background on Nigeria’s Travel Restrictions
This move follows the partial travel restrictions the US imposed on Nigeria just a week earlier.
On December 16, 2025, Nigeria was among 15 countries, mostly in Africa, facing limited US visa access.
The US cited security concerns, including the activities of extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State, which complicate screening and vetting processes.
Overstay statistics also played a role in the decision: Nigeria had a 5.56% overstay rate for B1/B2 visas and 11.9% for student and exchange visas (F, M, and J categories).
The restrictions covered both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
What This Means for Travelers
For Nigerians and citizens of other affected countries, these new rules represent an additional step in the visa process.
Applicants should plan ahead, ensure they understand the bond requirements, and prepare for stricter entry procedures.
While the bond adds a financial element, it is intended to reinforce compliance and ensure that travelers respect US visa conditions.
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