The United States has begun implementing a permanent Visa Bond Programme requiring certain business and tourist visa applicants from Nigeria and about 30 other African countries to pay refundable visa bonds of up to $20,000.
The policy, which took effect on Monday, August 3, 2026, was announced by the U.S. Department of State as part of efforts to ensure that visitors leave the country before the expiration of their authorised stay.
According to U.S. officials, the measure is aimed at addressing high rates of visa overstays and inadequate information-sharing by some African countries.
The programme applies to applicants from countries identified as having elevated visa overstay rates, weak information exchange, insufficient identity verification systems, criminal record gaps, and deficiencies in screening, vetting, and the security of travel and civil documents.
The Department of State said the policy was introduced in line with Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which directs the Departments of the Treasury, State, and Homeland Security to strengthen the administration of immigration bond requirements under U.S. law.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has advised visa applicants against submitting passport photographs that have been altered with artificial intelligence or digital filters, warning that such images could lead to delays or the rejection of visa applications.
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