Nationals from Malawi, Zambia to pay $15,000 US visa bond, Nigerians may be asked to pay the N22.5m upfront to prevent overstaying their welcome
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nationals from Malawi and Zambia are in the first batch of travellers the United States has flagged in Africa to pay its newly introduced nonimmigrant visa bond of between $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000 to head off overstaying in the country firing on all cylinders to stop illegal immigration.
Nigerians may be in the next batch from the continent as they, too, are known for overstaying their nonimmigrant visa duration in America.
At the current rate of exchange, $5,000 is equivalent to N7.5 million, $10,000 (N15 million), and $15,000 (N22.5 million).
An overstay forfeits the bond but anyone who does not overstay will get a refund, according to the new policy.
A document released on US Department of State website on Tuesday reiterated the policy will take effect on August 20 as previously announced.
The bond demand is based on countries’ nationals’ B1/B2 overstay rate compiled in the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2023 Overstay Report.
The US Department of State requires visa applicants to also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 agreeing to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform.
“Starting August 20, 2025, any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined at the time of the visa interview,” the document said.
“This requirement applies regardless of place of application.”
Foreigners from flagged countries who seek to visit the US on business or tourist visa are required to have a visa bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 depending on the category decided at the point of application.
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