Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States may soon face stiffer entry requirements, including a bond of up to $15,000, under a sweeping new immigration measure announced by the Donald Trump-led administration.
The U.S. State Department on Monday rolled out a 12-month pilot program requiring foreign visitors from countries flagged for high visa overstay rates and poor identity systems to post refundable cash bonds before entering the country. The move is aimed at tightening entry protocols amid concerns over national security.
The new visa rule, which takes effect from August 20, targets individuals applying for business and tourism visas.
Affected applicants will have to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 as a condition for entry, with the funds returned only if travellers comply with visa timelines.
“Countries will be identified based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
Although Nigeria was not mentioned in the official release, its “poor citizen database, substandard security systems, and technical flaws,” may see it in the list of countries affected.