Lagos, Nigeria – August 4, 2025
The United States government has reintroduced a controversial immigration policy requiring Nigerian travelers to pay a $15,000 visa bond before being granted entry into the country. This measure, aimed at curbing visa overstays, is part of a broader enforcement effort targeting countries with high rates of non-compliance among visa holders.
The bond applies primarily to applicants for B1/B2 visitor visas — typically used for tourism and short business trips. Under the policy, select Nigerian applicants will be asked to deposit the refundable bond as a financial guarantee that they will leave the U.S. before their visa expires.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Nigeria has been flagged as one of the nations with a high number of visa overstayers in recent years. The bond, while refundable upon timely departure, has drawn widespread criticism for being punitive and discriminatory.
“This $15,000 requirement is a slap in the face to ordinary Nigerians who follow the rules,” said Barrister Adebayo Olatunji, an immigration lawyer based in Abuja. “Many families cannot afford this kind of money. It essentially shuts the door on genuine travelers and creates a class barrier.”
Human rights groups and travel industry experts have also raised concerns about the policy’s potential to damage diplomatic relations and reduce cultural and economic exchange between Nigeria and the United States.
The U.S. embassy in Abuja has stated that the bond will only apply to certain high-risk applicants, determined on a case-by-case basis. However, with no clear criteria publicly available, many fear the implementation may be arbitrary and unfair.
The Nigerian government is expected to engage with American officials in the coming weeks to seek clarity and possibly negotiate waivers or adjustments to the policy. In the meantime, prospective travelers are advised to prepare for stricter screening and increased visa costs.
