The United States has introduced new travel restrictions that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The exact amount will be determined during the visa interview, according to a notice from the US State Department.
Applicants must also complete additional steps, including submitting Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agreeing to the bond terms via the Treasury’s Pay.gov online platform. The notice emphasized that paying a bond without instructions from a consular officer does not guarantee visa approval, and fees paid without authorization are non-refundable.
For Nigerians, the policy takes effect on January 21 and applies to all application locations. Visa holders who post bonds must enter the US through specific airports, including Boston Logan, New York’s JFK, and Washington Dulles. Bonds will only be refunded once DHS confirms timely departure, unused visas, or denial of entry at the border.
The restrictions follow previous partial travel limitations citing security concerns, including the operations of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS, as well as high visa overstay rates—5.56% for B1/B2 visas and 11.90% for F, M, and J visas.