USA has started again! Nigeria and 37 other nations hit with new $15,000 visa rule
USA slaps $15,000 bond requirement on Nigeria, 37 other countries in latest visa crackdown.
The USA, United States of America, government has officially expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program, sending shockwaves through the international travel community.
Wakawaka Doctor reports that as of January 2026, Nigeria and 37 other countries have been placed on a high-scrutiny list, requiring travellers to pay massive financial deposits before setting foot on American soil.
This new policy, aimed at curbing visa overstays, effectively turns a trip to the U.S. into a luxury many can no longer afford.
The $15,000 Barrier: How It Works
Under the new rules, citizens of the 38 designated countries are no longer just fighting for a visa; they’re fighting to afford one.
The Cost: At the discretion of a consular officer, applicants for B1/B2 (Visitor/Business) visas may be required to pay a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
The Condition: This bond serves as a financial guarantee. If you travel to the U.S. and return home within your authorised stay, the money is refunded. Overstay by even one day, and the U.S. government keeps the entire amount.
The Catch: Paying the bond doesn’t guarantee visa approval. You could pay $15,000 and still be denied entry.
USA Bond: Nigeria Bears the Brunt
While the policy affects 38 nations, Nigeria ranks among the most significantly impacted. The U.S. State Department cited high overstay rates and “vetting difficulties” as primary reasons for including Nigeria.
This follows Presidential Proclamation 10998, which already imposed partial travel restrictions on Nigerian immigrant and student visas, effective January 1, 2026.
For Nigerians, the implementation date for this specific bond requirement is January 21, 2026.
The Full List: 38 Countries Under Scrutiny
The U.S. has targeted nations primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Here are the countries currently subject to the Visa Bond Requirement:
Africa (24 countries): Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Asia & Oceania (10 countries): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Latin America & Caribbean (4 countries): Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Venezuela
What Travellers Must Know
If you’re from an affected country and granted a visa after paying the bond, your travel is now strictly monitored:
Designated Ports of Entry: You may be required to enter and exit the U.S. only through specific airports, such as JFK (New York), Dulles (Washington, D.C.), or Logan (Boston), to ensure your departure is accurately recorded.
Official Payments Only: The USA bond must be paid through the official U.S. Treasury platform (Pay.gov). Travellers are warned to avoid third-party agents claiming they can “handle” the bond payment.
Mandatory Form: Applicants must submit DHS Form I-352 as part of the process.
This “financial wall” makes the U.S. one of the most difficult and expensive places to visit for citizens of the global south.
For a family of four from Nigeria or Nepal, the upfront cost of a simple vacation could now exceed $60,000 in bonds alone, a prohibitive sum that places the American dream further out of reach for millions of aspiring travellers.
