The United States has officially made its visa bond programme permanent, a move that could require some Nigerian applicants seeking business (B-1) and tourist (B-2) visas to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before their visas are issued.
The policy, which took effect on August 3, 2026, follows a year-long pilot programme that U.S. authorities say helped reduce visa overstays. Under the permanent rule, consular officers may require eligible applicants from 50 designated countries, including Nigeria, to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, depending on the circumstances of each case.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the bond is not automatically required for every applicant. Instead, it is imposed at the discretion of the consular officer during the visa application process. The money is refundable if the traveller complies with the terms of the visa and departs the United States before the authorised period of stay expires.
U.S. officials said the programme is intended to discourage visa overstays and strengthen compliance with immigration laws. However, critics argue that the policy could place a significant financial burden on legitimate travellers and disproportionately affect applicants from developing countries.
Nigeria is among the countries currently listed under the programme, alongside several other African, Asian and Caribbean nations. U.S. authorities have indicated that the list of affected countries may be reviewed periodically based on immigration and overstay data.
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