The United States government has introduced a visa bond requirement targeting citizens of certain countries, and while 30 African nations appear on that list, a significant number of others do not. According to Legit.ng's compilation, approximately 50 countries worldwide have been flagged as potentially subject to the visa bond, with Africa accounting for the largest regional share. However, 24 African countries have been identified as being excluded from this financial requirement.
A visa bond is a financial deposit that selected visa applicants may be required to pay before gaining entry into the US. The amount is determined during the visa interview and can be refunded if the visa holder complies with all the terms and conditions attached to their visa. This mechanism is designed to ensure that visitors adhere to the duration and purpose of their stay, with the deposit serving as a compliance guarantee.
Full List of 24 African Countries Not on the US Visa Bond List
Legit.ng has compiled the full list of African countries not on the US visa bond list, organised by region. The breakdown spans all five regions of the continent, from North Africa to Southern Africa, with the numbers varying by region.
North Africa – 4 Countries
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Sudan
West Africa – 6 Countries
- Burkina Faso
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Sierra Leone
Central Africa – 5 Countries
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
East Africa – 6 Countries
- Comoros
- Eritrea
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
Southern Africa – 3 Countries
- Eswatini
- Madagascar
- South Africa
Implications for Citizens of These 24 Countries
Crucially, citizens of countries not featured on this list are not automatically exempt from all US visa requirements. Standard visa application processes still apply in full. This means that applicants from these 24 countries must continue to undergo the regular visa interview, provide supporting documentation, and meet the eligibility criteria set by US immigration authorities. However, the key advantage is that they will not face the additional financial burden of a visa bond at the interview stage, which could amount to a substantial sum.
For the 30 African nations whose citizens do appear on the visa bond list, the deposit amount is not fixed. According to the US government, the bond will be communicated to the applicant at the point of the visa interview, with the actual figure depending on individual circumstances. The bond is refundable if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay or meets other specified conditions, but it represents an upfront cost that many travellers may find prohibitive.
Context: West African Countries Facing $20,000 Visa Bond
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the US Department of State listed 10 West African countries whose citizens may be required to pay a visa bond of up to $20,000 before travelling to the United States. The government explained that the bond is refundable if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay or meets other specified conditions. This development has sparked widespread discussion among potential travellers and diaspora communities, particularly because the bond amount is significantly higher than typical visa application fees.
The inclusion of 30 African countries on the broader visa bond list underscores the US government's intensified scrutiny of immigration from the region. Yet the fact that 24 African nations are excluded provides a measure of relief for their citizens. For those seeking entry into the US, it is essential to stay informed about the latest visa policies, as these can change with little notice. The US Department of State continues to update its guidelines, and travellers are advised to verify current requirements through official channels before making any travel plans.
