Nigerians to Pay Up to S15,000 US Visa Bond Starting January 21

Nigerians applying for US B1/B2 business or tourist visas will soon face new financial hurdles as the United States implements a visa bond policy requiring deposits of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.

The policy takes effect January 21, 2026, and applies to citizens from Nigeria and 23 other African Nations deemed “high-risk,” including Benin, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and The Gambia.

The US Department of State emphasized that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any fees paid without consular direction will not be refunded. “The bond amount is determined during the visa interview.

Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and agree to the terms via the US Department of the Treasury’s online platform, Pay.gov,” the Department stated.

Visa holders required to post bonds must enter the US through designated airports, such as Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

Refunds are only issued if travelers depart on or before the authorized stay, do not travel before visa expiration, or are denied entry at a US port of entry.

The move follows partial US travel restrictions imposed on Nigeria and 14 other Countries in December 2025, citing threats from radical Islamic groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, as well as high visa overstay rates.

Analysts say the bond policy is part of a broader US effort to tighten immigration and security vetting for travelers from Countries considered higher risk.

Global Mirror News gathered that many Nigerian applicants are concerned about the financial burden, warning that the new requirements could disrupt business travel, tourism, and family visits to the United States.