Exclusive: Countries Facing New US Visa Bond Demands — Full Breakdown

The United States government has introduced new visa rules that may require Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas to post a financial bond of up to $15,000, as part of expanded efforts to reduce visa overstays and improve compliance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State, affects citizens of 38 countries, including Nigeria, with the requirement set to take effect for Nigerians on January 21, 2026.

Under the new measure, applicants who are otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa may be required to pay a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, based on the assessment of a consular officer during the visa interview.

The bond is intended to act as a financial guarantee that travellers will depart the United States before their authorised stay expires. Officials stress that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and fees paid without direction from a consular officer will not be refunded.

Full List of Countries Subject to the U.S. Visa Bond Requirement

According to the U.S. Department of State, nationals from the following countries are required to post a visa bond when applying for B1/B2 visas:

1. Algeria (Jan. 21, 2026)

2. Angola (Jan. 21, 2026)

3. Antigua and Barbuda (Jan. 21, 2026)

4. Bangladesh (Jan. 21, 2026)

5. Benin (Jan. 21, 2026)

6. Bhutan (Jan. 1, 2026)

7. Botswana (Jan. 1, 2026)

8. Burundi (Jan. 21, 2026)

9. Cabo Verde (Jan. 21, 2026)

10. Central African Republic (Jan. 1, 2026)

11. Côte d’Ivoire (Jan. 21, 2026)

12. Cuba (Jan. 21, 2026)

13. Djibouti (Jan. 21, 2026)

14. Dominica (Jan. 21, 2026)

15. Fiji (Jan. 21, 2026)

16. Gabon (Jan. 21, 2026)

17. The Gambia (Oct. 11, 2025)

18. Guinea (Jan. 1, 2026)

19. Guinea‑Bissau (Jan. 1, 2026)

20. Kyrgyzstan (Jan. 21, 2026)

21. Malawi (Aug. 20, 2025)

22. Mauritania (Oct. 23, 2025)

23. Namibia (Jan. 1, 2026)

24. Nepal (Jan. 21, 2026)

25. Nigeria (Jan. 21, 2026)

26. São Tomé and Príncipe (Oct. 23, 2025)

27. Senegal (Jan. 21, 2026)

28. Tajikistan (Jan. 21, 2026)

29. Tanzania (Oct. 23, 2025)

30. Togo (Jan. 21, 2026)

31. Tonga (Jan. 21, 2026)

32. Turkmenistan (Jan. 1, 2026)

33. Tuvalu (Jan. 21, 2026)

34. Uganda (Jan. 21, 2026)

35. Vanuatu (Jan. 21, 2026)

36. Venezuela (Jan. 21, 2026)

37. Zambia (Aug. 20, 2025)

38. Zimbabwe (Jan. 21, 2026) Travel.gov

This visa bond requirement forms part of broader U.S. immigration policy adjustments aimed at discouraging overstays and enhancing enforcement measures for temporary visitors.