The United States has introduced new visa rules that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas to post a bond of up to 15000 dollars.
The bond is a financial guarantee, does not ensure visa approval and will not be refunded if paid without a clear instruction from a consular officer.
According to details on the US State Department’s website, the updated list shows that 24 of the 38 affected countries are in Africa, including Nigeria.
The bond is targeted at nationals from countries the US classifies as high risk for overstaying their permitted time in the country.
For Nigeria, the visa bond requirement will start on January 21 2026.
Eligible B1/B2 applicants from listed countries may be asked to post bonds of 5000, 10000 or 15000 dollars, with the exact sum decided at the visa interview.
Applicants will also have to complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and accept the bond terms via the US Treasury’s online platform Pay.gov.
This process applies regardless of where the visa application is lodged.
Countries on the list include Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and others, with start dates between August 2025 and January 2026.
The directive also states that travellers who post bonds must enter the US through specified airports such as JFK in New York, Boston Logan and Washington Dulles.
Refunds will only be made if the traveller leaves the US on or before the end of their authorised stay, if the visa expires without any trip, or if entry is refused at the border.
Failure to meet the terms could lead to loss of the bond.
The move follows new US travel limits placed on Nigeria and 14 mostly African countries about a week earlier.
In Nigeria’s case, US officials cited the threat posed by extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State and difficulties with screening and vetting travellers.
The US also referred to Nigeria’s visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 percent for student and exchange visas as part of its justification.
As a result, the tighter rules affect both immigrant and non immigrant categories, including B1, B2, F, M and J visas.
About the author
Joshua survives knockdowns, stops Prenga
Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua recovered from two knockdowns to stop Kristian Prenga with a second-round knockout in Jeddah on Sunday.espn+1 Joshua was twice put on the canvas in the opening round, but he survived the pressure and returned stronger in the second. He regrouped behind his jab, pushed Prenga back to the ropes and then unloaded a powerful right hand that sent the Albanian crashing through the ropes, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 2:43 of round two.wtop+1 The victory was Joshua’s first fight of 2026 and marked a successful return to the ring after a tense opening round. Reports say the win could set up a blockbuster all-British showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
BBNaija 11: Biggie divides housemates into male, female teams for tasks
According to Biggie, the house will now operate in two groups — the ladies and the guys — with wager tasks, arena games and other activities contested along those lines. The move is expected to raise the stakes in the house, as contestants must work more closely with members of their own team to win rewards and gain an advantage. The new structure is also likely to affect alliances and strategy, since housemates will now compete not just individually but as part of a broader team battle.
Troops nab wanted soldier accused of supplying military uniforms to terrorists
The soldier, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, was earlier declared wanted after allegedly engaging in the illegal sale and diversion of military uniforms to non‑state actors. According to an Army statement, Amutu had absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026, prompting a manhunt by military authorities. Army spokesperson Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko said any personnel found aiding terrorists or criminals through the unauthorized sale or distribution of military kit would face the full weight of both military and civil laws. She added that intensive efforts were launched to locate and apprehend Amutu so he could face investigation and appropriate disciplinary action under extant military regulations. The case has raised fresh concerns about how genuine military gear ends up in the hands of terrorists and bandits, who often use such uniforms to disguise […]
New PM Burnham vows to put Britain’s interest first in Trump ties
Burnham, 56, a veteran Labour politician and former mayor of Greater Manchester, said in a BBC interview that he will always defend the United Kingdom’s national interest, even if it means publicly disagreeing with Trump. “All leaders have to do that. You have to defend your own national interest before anything else. That’s what you’re required to do if you’re to do this job properly,” he said. The new prime minister added that he “may take a different opinion” from Trump and would “of course” be willing to call him out where Britain’s interests are at stake. At the same time, he stressed the importance of the longstanding UK‑US relationship and said he would seek to engage the US president directly and frankly. Shortly after taking office, Burnham held a phone call with Trump which both sides described as “very […]
INEC urges Nigerians to register as CVR closes today
INEC has ruled out any further extension of the nationwide CVR, insisting that voter registration will end today, Sunday 26 July 2026, after a two‑week grace period added earlier this month. The exercise, which began in August 2025 and resumed for its final phase in May, is the last opportunity for new voters to join the register ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement and posts on its official X and Facebook pages, the commission urged citizens who are 18 and above, and others who missed earlier phases, to take advantage of the final hours. Registration centres and INEC offices nationwide are scheduled to operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including weekends. INEC also highlighted the availability of its online Self‑Service CVR portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, which allows first‑time voters to complete their registration digitally before visiting a centre […]
Christian killings: Nigeria hiring lobbyists to mask insecurity — Ted Cruz
Cruz said Nigeria’s engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm was a public relations move meant to soften criticism from the United States rather than confront the insecurity crisis at home. He said Nigerian officials were trying to influence opinion in Washington while failing to address allegations of attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups. The senator has been at the forefront of calls for sanctions and accountability over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. His proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 seeks to hold officials responsible for what he describes as the enabling of mass violence against Christians. Reports also said Nigeria signed a $9 million lobbying contract with DCI Group, a US public affairs firm, after being designated a country of particular concern by President Donald Trump. The controversy adds to growing diplomatic tension between Abuja and some […]
Related
New PM Burnham vows to put Britain’s interest first in Trump ties
Burnham, 56, a veteran Labour politician and former mayor of Greater Manchester, said in a BBC interview that he will always defend the United Kingdom’s national interest, even if it means publicly disagreeing with Trump. “All leaders have to do that. You have to defend your own national interest before anything else. That’s what you’re required to do if you’re to do this job properly,” he said. The new prime minister added that he “may take a different opinion” from Trump and would “of course” be willing to call him out where Britain’s interests are at stake. At the same time, he stressed the importance of the longstanding UK‑US relationship and said he would seek to engage the US president directly and frankly. Shortly after taking office, Burnham held a phone call with Trump which both sides described as “very […]
Christian killings: Nigeria hiring lobbyists to mask insecurity — Ted Cruz
Cruz said Nigeria’s engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm was a public relations move meant to soften criticism from the United States rather than confront the insecurity crisis at home. He said Nigerian officials were trying to influence opinion in Washington while failing to address allegations of attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups. The senator has been at the forefront of calls for sanctions and accountability over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. His proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 seeks to hold officials responsible for what he describes as the enabling of mass violence against Christians. Reports also said Nigeria signed a $9 million lobbying contract with DCI Group, a US public affairs firm, after being designated a country of particular concern by President Donald Trump. The controversy adds to growing diplomatic tension between Abuja and some […]
Iran army says it attacked US bases in Bahrain, Jordan
The Iranian military said the operation targeted several US facilities in the Gulf and the Middle East, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington. Earlier reports had also said Iranian forces struck US-linked targets in Kuwait and other neighbouring states as part of a wider retaliation campaign.zeenews Iran has repeatedly argued that its attacks are a response to US strikes on its territory and a warning against further escalation. Bahrain and Jordan have previously reported intercepting projectiles fired toward their territory, with no immediate casualties confirmed in those earlier incidents. The renewed claims underline how the confrontation is spreading across the Gulf, putting pressure on regional security and raising fears of a broader war.
Iran army vows continuous strikes if US doesn’t halt attacks
Iranian commanders issued the warning after a fresh wave of US airstrikes on targets inside Iran and along its southern coastline, including air defence systems, radar sites and coastal bases near the Strait of Hormuz. The operations are part of consecutive nights of US attacks aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities.reuters+1 Tehran has responded with missiles and drones aimed at US-linked bases and infrastructure in neighbouring Gulf states such as Kuwait and Bahrain, and has threatened to widen its response if Washington presses on. Iranian officials describe the Strait of Hormuz as an “unbreakable red line”, insisting they will resist any attempt to weaken their control of the vital waterway for global oil shipments.news.un+1 The exchanges have shredded an already fragile ceasefire and interim deal agreed earlier in the year, with shipping through the strait disrupted and regional energy infrastructure […]
Iran slams barbaric US attack after hospital evacuated near strike
Iran has condemned a recent United States attack as barbaric after a cancer hospital in the country’s southwest was forced to evacuate because of nearby airstrikes.aljazeera+3 Officials in Tehran said the hospital, which treats vulnerable patients, had to be cleared when explosions from US strikes shook the area and raised fears for the safety of staff and patients.lbcgroup+1 Iran’s government compared the incident to what it called Israeli atrocities against healthcare facilities, saying the attack caused severe suffering and anxiety for sick people and their families.firstpost+1 Tehran also warned that it would target regional infrastructure if Washington continued to strike Iranian infrastructure, accusing the US of escalating tensions despite ongoing war related negotiations.aljazeera+2 US military officials have said their operations are aimed at Iranian targets linked to attacks on shipping and security in the Strait of Hormuz and other parts […]
US military launches new wave of strikes on Iran
The United States military has launched another wave of strikes on Iran, deepening the latest round of tensions between the two countries. According to reports, the strikes were carried out after Iran attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil trade. The US said the operation was aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used to threaten shipping and regional security. Officials added that the strikes were part of a broader effort to protect American forces and international commercial vessels. Iran has not publicly confirmed the full extent of the damage, but the renewed attacks are expected to increase pressure in the Middle East and raise concerns about a wider conflict. The latest military action comes at a time of already high tension in the region, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.