U.S. Visa Bond Program to Impact Nigerians and Others

The U.S. State Department announced the permanent implementation of a visa bond program that will require applicants from Nigeria and 49 other countries, primarily in Africa, to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for B1 and B2 visas, which are designated for business and tourism travel.

This decision follows a pilot program initiated in 2025, which assessed the feasibility of such a program and indicated its effectiveness in ensuring compliance among visa holders. Under the final rule, which will take effect on August 3, the minimum bond option of $5,000 has been eliminated, and the maximum bond has been raised to $20,000.

U.S. officials stated that the policy aims to reduce visa overstays. However, immigration advocates argue that it may deter legitimate travel to the United States.

Rights advocates have criticized the measures as infringing on free speech and due process, linking them to President Donald Trump’s broader immigration policies, which he defends as necessary for national security.