..Bonds Range From $5,000 To $15,000 Depending On Visa Risk Assessment
… Travelers Restricted To Three US Airports, Effective January 21, 202
Daud Olatunji
The United States government has unveiled a new policy requiring Nigerians and nationals of 37 other countries to post substantial Visa Bonds before being granted visitor visas.
The move, announced on Wednesday by the US State Department, is aimed at curbing visa overstays and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws.
Under the new regulation, prospective travellers seeking B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas may be asked to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, based on a risk assessment during visa interviews.
The policy, which takes effect for Nigerians from January 21, 2026, also limits arrivals to three designated US airports: John F. Kennedy International (New York), Washington Dulles International (Virginia), and Boston Logan International (Massachusetts).
“This initiative is part of broader efforts to boost adherence to immigration rules and maintain lawful travel opportunities,” the State Department said.
Applicants must complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) and make payments exclusively through the US Treasury’s official Pay.gov portal, with third-party payments not recognized.
Authorities warned that payment of a visa bond does not guarantee visa issuance. Failure to comply with the designated entry airports or overstaying beyond the authorized period could lead to bond forfeiture and other penalties, including visa revocation.
Bonds will be refunded if travellers depart on or before their authorized stay, do not travel before visa expiration, or are denied entry.
The measure, implemented under Section 221(g)(3) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, targets countries with higher visa overstay rates.
Besides Nigeria, the African countries affected include Benin, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola, and Zambia, with other nations from Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America also included.
US authorities stressed that the bond requirement applies regardless of where the visa is applied for, meaning Nigerians applying from within or outside the country will be affected.
The announcement has sparked concern among prospective travellers and immigration experts, who warn that the new bond system may complicate lawful travel for thousands of Nigerians planning business or leisure trips to the United States.
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