US imposes $20,000 visa bond on Nigerians seeking US tourist, business visas
The United States government has made permanent a visa bond programme that may require citizens of Nigeria and 49 other countries to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before being issued certain B1/B2 business or tourist visas. Under the rule, a US consular officer can direct an applicant to submit Form I-352 and pay the bond; the payment does not guarantee visa approval and must only be made if specifically instructed. Travellers who comply with their visa terms, depart the US before their authorised stay expires, never use the visa before it expires, or are denied entry at a US port of entry receive a full refund. Those who overstay, violate immigration rules, or fail to meet programme requirements forfeit the bond. The bond must be paid by the applicant or a third party such as a relative, friend, or business associate, and travellers must enter and leave the United States through approved commercial airports or designated preclearance locations. The policy, initially a 2025 pilot aimed at reducing visa overstays, now applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted. For Nigerians planning US travel, this means preparing for a possible substantial, refundable financial demand and ensuring strict adherence to visa conditions to avoid losing the money.