The United States has announced a new visa policy that could see some Nigerian travellers and applicants from other countries pay bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition for entry.
The US Department of State confirmed that this is part of a pilot scheme set to begin on August 20. It applies to applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas from countries flagged for high overstay rates.
The bond, which will range between $5,000 and $15,000, is refundable if the visitor leaves the country within the permitted time. If not, the money is forfeited.
In an official notice, the US government explained the move as part of wider efforts to reduce the number of foreigners who remain in the country illegally after their visas expire.
“Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000,” the department said, noting that this measure targets “countries with high visa overstay rates.”
Although the United States did not name the countries on the list, Nigeria has previously appeared in such overstay reports published by the Department of Homeland Security.
The State Department described the policy as “a key pillar of the Trump administration’s foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays.”
The new requirement comes amid growing global scrutiny over migration compliance. In recent years, Nigerian passport holders have faced tightening visa rules from several countries, including the UK, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, due to overstay records, asylum claims, and immigration offences.
Some Nigerian travellers have expressed concern, with many describing the bond as excessive and discriminatory.
Visa applicants selected for the bond will also be restricted to flying in and out of a list of approved airports in the US, another layer of control introduced under the new rule.
The pilot scheme will run for 12 months, during which the US will assess its effectiveness before deciding whether to make it permanent or adjust its scope.
Immigration experts have urged Nigerians intending to travel to the US to seek proper legal guidance and ensure full compliance with visa terms to avoid losing their money or facing future entry bans.
