US to Impose $20,000 Visa Bond on Nigerians, Other African Travellers

The United States will permanently implement a visa bond programme requiring certain applicants from Nigeria and 49 other countries, most of them in Africa, to deposit up to $20,000 before obtaining business or tourist visas. The policy, announced by the U.S. State Department, takes effect on August 3, 2026, following what officials described as the success of a year-long pilot scheme aimed at reducing visa overstays.

Under the new rules, applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas may be required by consular officers to post a refundable bond as a condition for visa issuance. The maximum bond has been increased from $15,000 to $20,000, while the previous minimum bond option of $5,000 has been scrapped. Applicants whose visa requests are denied will receive a full refund, while successful applicants who comply with the terms of their visas will also have their deposits returned after leaving the United States as required. Those who violate visa conditions risk forfeiting the bond.

According to U.S. authorities, the programme was introduced to curb visa overstays and improve immigration compliance. The State Department said the pilot phase demonstrated that visa bonds are an effective enforcement tool, noting a significant decline in overstays among travellers from participating countries. Officials argued that the policy also helps reduce the high costs associated with locating, detaining and deporting individuals who remain in the country after their visas expire.

Nigeria is among the countries affected by the permanent programme, alongside dozens of other African, Caribbean and Asian nations previously identified by the U.S. government for visa bond requirements. The State Department has indicated that additional countries could be added to the list in the future based on immigration and compliance assessments.

The decision has drawn criticism from immigration advocates, who argue that the high financial requirement could discourage legitimate business and tourist travel, particularly from developing countries. Critics contend that the policy places a disproportionate burden on low-income applicants, while U.S. officials maintain that the measure is necessary to strengthen immigration enforcement and protect the integrity of the country's visa system.