New Visa Bond Requirement for Citizens of West African Countries

The United States Department of State has announced a new requirement for citizens from certain West African countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, who are applying for B1/B2 visitor visas. Under this new rule, which is part of a broader visa bond program, applicants may need to pay a bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 before their visa is issued.

What Changes Are Being Implemented?

As part of the visa bond program established under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bond amount will be determined by a consular officer during the visa interview. This requirement is aimed at addressing concerns related to overstay rates among applicants from these countries.

Who Is Affected?

Citizens from the following West African nations are subject to this new bond requirement: Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote D'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, and Togo. This applies to all applicants regardless of where they submit their visa applications.

How to Apply

To apply for a B1/B2 visa, eligible citizens must complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms. The bond payment will be processed through the US Department of the Treasury's official online platform, but applicants should only make this payment upon instruction from a consular officer.

Travelers from the affected countries should be aware of this new requirement when planning their trips to the United States, as it may significantly impact their visa application process.