US makes visa bond programme permanent for travellers from 50 countries
The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, affecting travellers from 50 countries, including Nigeria. The programme requires certain applicants to pay a refundable $20,000 bond before obtaining some categories of US visas. The US Department of State says the measure targets B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants who are directed by consular officers to provide a bond. The bond is refunded if travellers comply with visa conditions and leave the US within the approved period.
What we know
- The visa bond requirement applies to nationals from 50 countries, including Nigeria and 29 other African nations, seeking B1/B2 visas.
- Consular officers may require a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition for visa issuance.
- The bond may be paid by the applicant or a third party, but only after official instructions and through the U.S. government’s Pay.gov platform.
- Travellers must enter and leave the US through approved commercial airports and are not allowed to use charter flights, private aircraft, land borders, or seaports under this programme.
- The bond is refunded if the traveller leaves the US on or before the authorised date, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry at a US port of entry; it is forfeited if the traveller overstays or violates visa terms.
