Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of mixed and unclear information circulating about a new U.S. visitor visa bond requirement. We want to provide clarity on what is actually changing and what it means for Nigerian travelers.
What Is Changing
Starting January 21, 2026, Nigerian citizens applying for a new U.S. B-1/B-2 (visitor) visa may be required to post a visa bond as part of their application.
This update comes from the U.S. Department of State under a Temporary Final Rule linked to visa overstay data published by the Department of Homeland Security.
Two important clarifications:
- Current visa holders are NOT affected
- The rule applies only to new B-1/B-2 visa applications reviewed on or after the implementation date
Why Nigeria Is Included
Nigeria is part of a limited pilot program that allows U.S. consular officers to require a visa bond in certain visitor visa cases. This decision is based on historical overstay statistics not individual applicants.
Being included does not stop visa issuance. It simply means an additional compliance step may apply in some cases.