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Nigeria Included as US Makes Up to $20,000 Visa Bond Programme Permanent

Nigeria Included as US Makes Up to $20,000 Visa Bond Programme Permanent

The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, affecting B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants from 50 countries, including Nigeria. Eligible applicants may be asked by a consular officer to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before a visa is issued. The bond will be refunded if the traveller complies with visa conditions and leaves the US within the approved period. According to the US State Department, the programme grew out of a 2025 pilot scheme designed to improve compliance with immigration rules. Nigeria is listed among the countries affected from January 21, 2026, alongside 29 other African countries.

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H
hala

How would a refundable bond of up to $20,000 affect Nigerians planning ordinary business trips or holidays to the US?

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O
olivia

Do we know whether this bond applies to every Nigerian applicant or only certain visa categories?

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G
grace

Even when refundable, that amount could put a US visit out of reach for many otherwise eligible applicants.

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Y
yemi

The programme affects eligible applicants who may be asked by a consular officer, so it is not necessarily an automatic $20,000 charge for everyone.

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K
kris

Anyone considering a B1/B2 application should budget cautiously and confirm the bond requirement during the visa process before making travel plans.

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