The United States government has officially made permanent a policy requiring citizens from 50 specific countries, including Nigeria, to provide a refundable bond of up to $20,000 to secure certain travel documents. This directive specifically targets individuals applying for B1/B2 tourist and business visas.
Consular officers maintain the authority to mandate this bond for select applicants to ensure immigration compliance. Initially launched as a 2025 pilot program, the initiative aims to minimize visa overstays and improve adherence to legal requirements. The State Department reported that the pilot successfully encouraged visitors to exit the U.S. within their authorized timeframes.
Travelers who follow visa conditions and depart before their permit expires are entitled to a full refund. Conversely, individuals who overstay or violate immigration terms will forfeit the deposited funds. Applicants selected for this process must utilize Form I-352 from the Department of Homeland Security. While the bond can be paid by third parties like friends or family, officials emphasize that paying this amount does not guarantee visa approval. Payments should only be made when explicitly requested by a consular officer.
The policy affects a wide range of nations, including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, the Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Participants must utilize approved commercial airports or preclearance facilities to enter and exit the country to remain eligible for a refund.
