US Imposes $15,000 Visa Bond on Nigerian B1/B2 Applicants

The US Department of State has announced new travel restrictions requiring Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourism visas to post a $15,000 visa bond. Nigeria is among 38 countries classified as high-risk for immigration compliance.

The bond requirement will be implemented starting January 21, with Nigerian citizens eligible for B1/B2 visas needing to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 based on consular assessments. Applicants must submit a DHS Form 352 and make payments through the US Department of the Treasury's online platform.

The bond payment does not guarantee visa approval, and if the fee is paid without explicit instructions from consular officials, it will not be refunded. The new policy aims to address concerns about visa overstays, with Nigeria previously subjected to partial travel suspensions due to high overstay rates.

The bond will be refunded upon the traveler's departure from the US if all conditions are met.