US Imposes Visa Bonds of Up To $15,000 on Nigerians as New B1/B2 Travel Restrictions Take Effect

The United States has introduced new rules requiring Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourism visas to post bonds of up to $15,000, in a move aimed at tightening immigration compliance for high-risk countries. Nigeria is one of 38 nations affected, with African countries making up 24 of the list. The policy for Nigeria takes effect on January 21.

Under the new regulations, consular officers will determine bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 during visa interviews. Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-352 and complete bond payments via the US Department of the Treasury’s online platform. Officials emphasized that posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any fees paid without the direction of a consular officer will not be refunded.

Travelers required to post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, including Boston Logan, New York JFK, and Washington Dulles. Bonds are refundable only if the traveler departs on or before their authorized stay, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry at a US port of entry.

This policy follows partial travel suspensions that took effect on December 16, citing security concerns linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State activities in parts of Nigeria. The US also referenced high visa overstay rates, including 5.56% for B1/B2 visas and nearly 12% for F, M, and J categories. The earlier suspension affected both immigrant and several non-immigrant visa types.

For Nigerian business owners, tourists, and professionals, these changes mean higher upfront costs, more rigorous planning, and stricter compliance requirements when traveling to the US.