Full Breakdown: Nations Included in New U.S. Visa Bond Requirement- Gossip News Now

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The United States government has introduced new visa regulations that may require Nigerian applicants seeking B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas to submit a refundable bond of up to $15,000. This development is part of Washington’s expanded initiative to curb the growing issue of visa overstays.

According to the announcement released by the U.S. Department of State, the policy targets nationals from 38 countries, including 24 nations across Africa — with Nigeria listed among them.

For Nigerian travellers, the visa bond mandate is scheduled to become effective on January 21, 2026.

The State Department explained that the measure applies to travellers who qualify for B1/B2 visas but are considered by consular officers to require additional financial assurance that they intend to return to their home country at the end of their trip.

Officials further clarified that the payment of the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.

“The bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and any payment made without direct instruction from a consular officer will not be reimbursed,” the department reiterated.

This new bond initiative forms part of the larger U.S. strategy aimed at reducing visa overstays, especially among categories of visitors where a higher likelihood of non-compliance has been identified.

The affected countries represent a wide range of regions. Nigeria’s inclusion signals increased concerns within U.S. immigration authorities about overstay tendencies associated with certain nationalities.

The department also noted that the bond should be seen strictly as a financial safeguard and does not replace the normal visa evaluation process.

In its official communication, the State Department cautioned applicants not to attempt any bond payments unless formally directed:
“Payments made without the instruction of a consular officer will not be refunded.”

Below is the complete list of countries placed under the U.S. visa bond requirement, alongside the implementation timeline.