Full List Of Countries Impacted By The U.S. Visa Bond Requirement

According to Ireporter Online, the United States government has announced a new visa policy that may require Nigerian applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourism visas to post a financial bond of up to $15,000 as part of broader measures aimed at reducing visa overstays.

The policy, unveiled by the U.S. Department of State, affects citizens of 38 countries across several regions, including 24 African nations, with Nigeria among those listed. The bond requirement for Nigerian applicants is scheduled to take effect from January 21, 2026.

U.S. authorities explained that the measure targets applicants who otherwise qualify for B1/B2 visas but are assessed by consular officers as needing additional assurance of their intent to return to their home country after visiting the United States. The Department of State stressed that the bond serves strictly as a financial guarantee and does not replace the existing visa screening and adjudication process.

Officials further clarified that payment of the bond does not automatically result in visa approval. Applicants have been warned not to make any payments unless expressly instructed by a consular officer, noting that funds paid without such direction will not be refunded.

The visa bond initiative is part of Washington’s wider immigration strategy to discourage overstays, particularly among visa categories and nationalities identified as having higher overstay risks. U.S. immigration authorities said Nigeria’s inclusion reflects growing concerns within policy circles over compliance with authorised stay limits.

The Department of State reiterated that the new requirement is designed to strengthen accountability while maintaining existing standards for visa issuance.

The countries affected by the visa bond requirement include Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Turkmenistan, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi and Zambia.