The United States has increased the maximum refundable visa bond for certain visitors from Nigeria, Senegal and 28 other African countries to $20,000, as part of a permanent visa bond program aimed at strengthening compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Under the policy, the visa bond requirement applies to certain applicants seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas. The decision on whether a bond is required will be made on a case-by-case basis by a U.S. consular officer, meaning the requirement does not apply automatically to all applicants from the affected countries.
The refundable bond, which can be as high as $20,000, will be returned to travelers who fully comply with the terms of their visas, including departing the United States before their authorized stay expires.
The State Department said the permanent program replaces the earlier pilot initiative, under which refundable visa bonds ranged from $5,000 to $15,000. The new rule raises the maximum bond amount to $20,000.
Nigeria is among 30 African countries covered by the policy, which U.S. officials say is intended to reduce visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance while preserving legitimate travel for business and tourism.
See list of Countries
1. Algeria
2. Angola
3. Benin
4. Botswana
5. Burundi
6. Cabo Verde
7. Central African Republic
8. Côte d’Ivoire
9. Djibouti
10. Ethiopia
11. Gabon
12. The Gambia
13. Guinea
14. Guinea-Bissau
15. Lesotho
16. Malawi
17. Mauritania
18. Mauritius
19. Mozambique
20. Namibia
21. Nigeria
22. Republic of the Congo
23. Senegal
24. Seychelles
25. Sierra Leone
26. Tanzania
27. Togo
28. Tunisia
29. Uganda
30. Zambia
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