The United States has made permanent its visa bond programme, requiring certain travellers from 50 countries, including Nigeria and 29 other African nations, to pay a refundable $20,000 visa bond before they can obtain some categories of US visas
The US Department of State said the requirement applies to applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas who are otherwise eligible for a visa but are directed by a consular officer to provide a bond before issuance.
The department in a federal notice posted online on Friday, explained that the measure, which was initially introduced as a pilot scheme, is aimed at improving compliance with US immigration laws.
Travellers who adhere to visa conditions and leave the country within the approved period will have their bonds refunded.
The notice read, “Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance,
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