The United States has sharply expanded its controversial visa bond programme, requiring travellers from 50 countries , including Nigeria to deposit up to $15,000 before being granted short-term entry visas.
The policy, announced by the US State Department on March 18, will take effect from April 2, marking a significant tightening of entry conditions for visitors applying for B1/B2 business and tourism visas.
Originally introduced in 2025 as a pilot scheme, the programme targets applicants considered at higher risk of overstaying their visas. Under the rules, travellers must pay a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, depending on individual risk assessments and nationality.
The payment must be made through the US Treasury’s Pay.gov system and is only returned if the traveller fully complies with visa conditions , including leaving the country on time. Those who overstay or violate the terms risk losing the entire deposit.
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US officials say the programme is delivering results. They report compliance rates of about 97 per cent among bonded travellers, a sharp improvement on previous overstay figures that ran into tens of thousands each year.
They also argue the policy is cost-effective. Deporting a single undocumented migrant costs more than $18,000, meaning the bond system could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
The latest expansion adds 12 countries to the list, including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia, bringing the total number of affected nations to 50.
Many are in Africa, alongside others in Asia, Latin America and Oceania. Nigeria has been included since January 21, placing its citizens firmly within the tightened regime.
US authorities describe the scheme as a targeted enforcement tool, based on overstay data and compliance history, rather than a blanket restriction.
However, critics say the policy risks shutting out legitimate travellers. The upfront financial requirement — particularly for applicants from lower-income countries — is seen as a major barrier for tourists, business visitors and families.
Opponents argue the measure could deepen inequality in global mobility, deter investment and strain diplomatic relations with affected countries.
Immigration lawyers and travel experts also warn that the added requirement could slow down visa processing and discourage travel altogether, especially among first-time applicants.
The expansion comes amid broader US efforts to curb irregular migration and tighten visa controls. While the bonds are refundable in principle, the scheme introduces a new financial hurdle into an already demanding application process.
For Nigerians and others affected, the implications are clear: secure substantial funds, demonstrate strong ties to home, and comply strictly with visa rules , or risk losing both money and future access to the United States.
With the April 2 rollout approaching, travel agencies, diaspora groups and legal advisers are preparing for a surge in enquiries as applicants weigh the cost of travel against the new requirements.
