US Introduces $20,000 Visa Bond for Nigerians, Citizens of 49 Other Countries Under New Permanent Policy
By Telescope News
The United States has officially made its $20,000 visa bond programme permanent, a move that could affect thousands of Nigerian travellers applying for U.S. tourist and business visas.
Under the new policy announced by the U.S. Department of State, certain applicants from 50 countries, including Nigeria, may be required to pay a refundable visa bond of up to $20,000 before receiving a B1/B2 visitor visa.
The measure, which was previously introduced as a pilot programme in 2025, is designed to curb visa overstays and strengthen compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Why the US Is Introducing a $20,000 Visa Bond
According to the State Department, data gathered during the pilot programme showed that requiring a financial bond significantly improved compliance among visa holders.
In a federal notice, the department stated that consular officers now have the authority to require eligible applicants to post a bond before a visa is issued.
“Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance,” the notice said.
However, the department stressed that not every applicant from the listed countries will be required to pay the bond. The decision will be made individually by the consular officer handling each visa application.
Does Paying the Visa Bond Guarantee Approval?
No.
The U.S. government clarified that paying the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved. Applicants must still satisfy all existing visa eligibility requirements.
In addition, travellers have been warned not to make any payment unless instructed by a U.S. consular officer.
Who Must Pay the $20,000 Visa Bond?
The requirement applies only to applicants who:
- Apply for B1/B2 business or tourist visas;
- Are specifically directed by a U.S. consular officer to participate in the programme; and
- Complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352.
The bond may be paid by the applicant or by a third party, including a family member, friend or business associate.
Payments must be made exclusively through the U.S. government’s Pay.gov platform after applicants receive an official payment link.
When Will the Visa Bond Be Refunded?
The U.S. government says the bond is fully refundable if the traveller complies with immigration rules.
Refunds will be made if:
- The visitor leaves the United States before the authorised stay expires.
- The visa expires before it is used.
- The traveller is refused entry at a U.S. port of entry.
When Can the Bond Be Forfeited?
The Department of Homeland Security may seize the bond if a traveller violates the programme’s conditions.
Violations include:
- Overstaying the authorised period.
- Failing to depart the United States as required.
- Breaching the terms of the visa bond or violating applicable immigration rules.
Travel Restrictions Under the Programme
Travellers covered by the visa bond programme must enter and leave the United States through approved commercial airports or designated U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facilities.
The programme does not permit entry through:
- Charter flights;
- Private aircraft;
- Land border crossings; or
- Seaports.
Full List of Countries Affected
The permanent visa bond programme applies to nationals of 50 countries, including Nigeria and 29 other African countries.
The affected countries are:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
What Nigerians Should Know
For Nigerians planning to travel to the United States for tourism or business, the new policy means that some applicants may now be asked to provide a refundable security bond of up to $20,000 before their visas are issued.
The State Department emphasised that applicants should wait for official instructions before completing Form I-352 or making any payment. Payments made outside authorised government channels or without approval from a consular officer may not be refunded.
The permanent programme is based on provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and applies to eligible applicants regardless of the country where they submit their visa applications.
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