The US State Department plans to permanently adopt a $20,000 visa bond requirement for applicants from Nigeria and 49 other African countries seeking business and tourist visas.
US Plans Permanent $20,000 Visa Bond for Nigeria, 49 Other African Nations
The pilot programme is about to become permanent. Per Peoples Gazette, a draft notice on the Federal Register shows the US has revised its bond structure, eliminating the lowest $5,000 fee and setting a maximum of $20,000, with the official notice expected Monday.
Applicants must pay the bond before their visa interviews. If denied, or if approved applicants comply with the bond’s terms, the money is refunded; violations lead to forfeiture. The Trump administration introduced the bond in August 2025, estimating deportation costs at $18,000 per violator.
The programme reportedly slashed African visa overstays from 45,500 in 2024 to fewer than 50 after implementation. Nigeria remains under a partial US visa ban for business, tourist and academic applicants.
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