The United States has introduced new travel restrictions requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas (business and tourism visas) to post bonds of up to $15,000. The measure takes effect in Nigeria on January 21, 2026.
Visa bonds are financial guarantees demanded by the US State Department from certain nationals of “high-risk” countries. Africa accounts for 24 of the 38 countries on the updated list, including Nigeria, according to the State Department notice released Tuesday.
“Any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000,” the notice states. “The applicant must also submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms via the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. A bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and fees paid without consular direction are non-refundable.”
Visa holders who post bonds must enter the US through designated airports such as Boston Logan, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles.
Bonds will be refunded only when the Department of Homeland Security confirms the visa holder’s departure, the visa expires without travel, or admission is denied at the port of entry.
This development follows partial US travel restrictions on Nigeria, which took effect on December 16, 2025, alongside 14 other mostly African countries. The US cited security concerns, including the activities of radical groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS in parts of Nigeria, as well as high overstay rates on Nigerian visas.
The partial suspension covers immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including B1, B2, B1/B2, F, M, and J categories, and took effect from January 1, 2026.