The United States has introduced a new visa bond policy that could require Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 business or tourist visas to post bonds of up to $15,000. According to the US Department of State, the payment of a bond does not guarantee visa approval, and fees paid without the direction of a consular officer will not be refunded. Nigeria is among 24 African countries included in the updated list of “high-risk” nations, which also includes Benin, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and The Gambia. The requirement will take effect in Nigeria on 21 January 2026. “Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000,” the Department of State said.

Source: The Guardian January 08, 2026 09:32 UTC