Nigeria US Tightens Visa Rules: Nigerians Now Required to Post Bonds Up to $15,000

The Digest:

The United States has introduced new travel restrictions requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas to post financial bonds of up to $15,000, effective January 21, 2026. The measure, which applies to 38 countries mostly in Africa, is part of tighter visa screening and enforcement policies citing security concerns and visa overstay rates.

Key Points:

• New US rules require Nigerians to post bonds of $5,000–$15,000 for B1/B2 visas
• The policy takes effect on January 21, 2026
• Nigeria is among 38 high-risk countries, 24 of which are in Africa
• Bonds must be paid via the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform before visa approval
• Refunds are only issued upon verified departure from the US before visa expiry
• The rule follows partial US travel restrictions on Nigeria that began on January 1
• US cited terrorism threats and visa overstay rates as reasons for the restrictions

Behind the policy shift lies a tightening gateway, where travel becomes a transaction bound by trust and treasury, reshaping not just journeys, but perceptions of access and belonging across continents.

Sources: The Cable, US State Department