Nigeria is among the countries whose eligible travellers will remain subject to the U.S. permanent visa bond programme, with consular officers empowered to require bonds of up to $20,000 for certain visitor visa applicants from Monday, August 3.
The measure, which takes effect on that date, applies to specific visitor visa categories. The U.S. government has not specified which nationalities are affected beyond confirming Nigeria's inclusion.
For Nigerian applicants, this means an additional financial hurdle when seeking U.S. visitor visas. The bond is separate from standard visa fees and may be required at the discretion of consular officers.
This development comes amid broader discussions about travel and migration policies affecting Nigerians. As the U.S. tightens entry requirements, Nigerian travellers and businesses with U.S. connections will need to factor in these potential costs.
The programme is permanent, indicating a long-term shift in U.S. visa policy. Applicants should prepare for possible additional financial requirements when applying for certain visitor visas.
While the full list of affected countries has not been disclosed, Nigeria's inclusion signals continued scrutiny of visa applicants from the country. This could impact business travel, tourism, and family visits.
For now, the exact criteria for when a bond will be required remain unclear. Nigerian applicants are advised to consult official U.S. embassy resources for the most current information.