US to Require $20,000 Visa Bond from Nigerian Applicants

The United States has announced a new policy requiring Nigerian and other African business and tourist visa applicants to deposit a $20,000 bond to ensure their departure from the US after their authorized stay. This rule will take effect on August 3, 2026, and follows a pilot program initiated in August 2025.

The policy aims to combat the high rates of visa overstays and inadequate information-sharing from certain countries. The US Department of State linked this initiative to Executive Order 14159, which mandates stronger bond administration under US immigration law.

During the pilot phase, which included 50 countries, applicants were required to deposit up to $15,000, resulting in a significant drop in visa applications—83% from August 2025 to July 2026. The bond requirement led to approximately $115 million in total bond payments.

The US Mission in Nigeria has also cautioned against the use of AI-edited passport photos, stating such images will not be accepted for visa applications.