Nigeria and 49 other countries will now be subject to a new U.S. visa bond programme requiring some applicants to pay refundable security deposits of up to $20,000 before obtaining B-1 business or B-2 tourist visas.

The permanent policy, which took effect on August 3, 2026, allows U.S. consular officers to require visa bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. Applicants who violate the terms of their stay risk forfeiting the deposit.

Nigeria is among 30 African countries affected by the programme, alongside Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The policy expands a pilot scheme introduced in August 2025.

The U.S. State Department said the measure is intended to reduce visa overstays, while critics argue the higher bond requirements could discourage legitimate travellers and hurt tourism and business travel.