Nigerian and citizens of 49 other countries across many Africa regions, will face permanent requirement of having to pay for and present a refundable bond up to $20,000 to be granted access for some business and tourist visas under a new immigration policy of the United States government, with the aim of reducing long-term visas from being overstayed.
Finalisation by U.S. Department of State indicates that the programme officially takes effect on the 3rd of August 2026 and, as of the first half of 2025, the programme began as a pilot to expand from those initial group and then grow further through a period until 2026.
Under this policy, Consular officers of any of these countries might demand to take up to a $20,000, $15,000 or up to $10,000 (previously this was $5,000) bond in order to provide the applicants with a B1 (business), or B2 (tourism) class visas, but each situation would warrant a unique evaluation.
Related News: Terrorists Suffer Major Losses as Troops Rescue Nine Hostages
US Officials have said after assessment of the program pilot they concluded that there was a significant and dramatic decrease in the rate of visa over stays from people from these various countries which has given rise to increase number of visas being provided.
Travelers that fulfil all obligations concerning visas will have this bond returned and, if found violations will forfeit the total sum for visa over stay.
The United States government stated that the intention behind implementation of the policy in many African nations such as Nigeria that face deficiencies like deficient systems when it comes to document verifications.
Related News: U.S. Urges Nigeria to Tackle Violence After Kaduna Killings
And also that country with highest rate of visa violation by the number would be taken as targeted countries from which an increased numbers would apply, these officials referred to this as immigration compliance instrument rather than punishing individuals, they mentioned that other nations too can be later added to list.
Immigration representatives protested against the implemented program, citing concerns that could discourage lawful travel.
This policy may also put unreasonable economic weight on travelers from poorer nation wishing to access U.S for visits or business trip.
Related News: US Ends Routine Visa Processing in Abuja
It also observed during program pilot; a considerable decrease in issuance rates of visas to those 50 countries when numerous candidates would decline to offer bond for travel, fearing to potentially loose the funds.
