The United States Department of State has released an updated list of 10 West African countries whose citizens could be required to pay a visa bond of up to $20,000 before being granted entry into the United States. The list, last updated on May 13, 2026, applies to nationals identified as high-risk for overstaying their visas, according to the department.
West African countries affected by the visa bond rule
The 10 West African nations named by the State Department, along with the dates the bond requirement takes effect, are as follows:
- Benin — January 21, 2026
- Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) — January 21, 2026
- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) — January 21, 2026
- The Gambia — October 11, 2025
- Guinea — January 1, 2026
- Guinea-Bissau — January 1, 2026
- Mauritania — October 23, 2025
- Nigeria — January 21, 2026
- Senegal — January 21, 2026
- Togo — January 21, 2026
The bond requirement does not guarantee visa approval. Instead, it acts as a financial assurance that the visa holder will comply with the terms of their stay in the US. According to the Department of State, the bond can be paid by the visa applicant or by a third party such as a friend, family member, or business associate, whether based inside or outside the applicant's home country.
How the visa bond payment works
All bond payments must be made in US dollars and will be returned in US dollars. The person or entity that pays the bond, referred to as the obligor, is responsible for any exchange rate differences that may arise at the time of the refund. This means that if the exchange rate changes between the date of payment and the date of refund, the obligor could receive a lower or higher amount than originally paid, depending on currency fluctuations.
According to the State Department, the bond is automatically cancelled and the money returned under three specific circumstances. First, if the Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder's departure from the US on or before their authorised stay expires. Second, if the visa holder does not travel to the US before their visa expires. Third, if the visa holder is denied admission at a US port of entry.
Important warnings and conditions
The State Department issued a clear warning that paying fees without a consular officer's direction will not result in a refund. This means that applicants must not attempt to pay the bond on their own unless explicitly instructed to do so by the consular officer processing their visa application. The terms and conditions of the bond are outlined on the Department of Homeland Security's Form I-352 Immigration Bond.
The visa bond policy has significant implications for travellers from the affected countries. For many applicants, the $20,000 fee represents a substantial financial burden, particularly for those seeking short-term visas for tourism, business, or family visits. The measure is part of broader efforts by US authorities to enforce immigration rules and reduce the number of individuals who overstay their visas.
Context and related developments
This move comes shortly after the US authorities introduced partial travel restrictions affecting Nigeria and several other countries. In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the US would halt its visa services in some African cities starting from August 1. That decision is expected to further complicate the visa application process for many African nationals, including those from the 10 countries on the visa bond list.
For Nigerians specifically, the visa bond requirement is part of a broader pattern of stricter US immigration policies. Previous reports have explained how the policy works and how refunds are handled. The bond is designed to ensure strict compliance with immigration rules, particularly preventing visa overstays, but it also raises questions about accessibility and fairness for applicants from the affected nations.
The list includes a mix of West African countries, ranging from Nigeria and Senegal to smaller nations like Cabo Verde and The Gambia. Implementation dates vary, with some countries already subject to the bond requirement as of late 2025, while others will see the policy take effect in January 2026. Applicants from these countries are advised to stay informed about the specific rules and to consult the official State Department guidance before initiating their visa applications.
