Visa américain : Une caution pouvant aller jusqu’à 9 millions F CFA exigée dès le 21 janvier 2026, plusieurs pays, dont le Sénégal concernés
Starting January 21, 2026, Senegalese citizens wishing to travel to the United States will be required to pay a security deposit of up to $15,000 (approximately 9 million CFA francs), in addition to the usual visa application fees. The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by the U.S. State Department, amid a deliberate tightening of immigration policy under the Trump administration.
This new measure does not only concern Senegal. It is part of a broader initiative that now affects 38 countries, following the addition of 25 new states to the initial list. In West Africa, several countries are affected, including Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. US authorities explain this decision as a way to reduce overstays observed on some short-term visas.
The security deposit primarily applies to B1/B2 visas, intended for tourist and business travel. Its amount, set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—approximately 3, 6, or 9 million CFA francs—is determined individually during the consular interview. This financial requirement does not alter the existing eligibility criteria but serves as an additional guarantee.
The principle behind this security deposit is based on a logic of immigration security. Its purpose is to ensure strict compliance with the rules of entry into the United States. Authorities specify that the sum will be automatically refunded if the beneficiary leaves the United States within the authorized timeframe, if they ultimately do not travel before their visa expires, or if they are denied entry by immigration services.
However, any violation of the conditions of stay exposes the applicant to the loss of their security deposit. Exceeding the authorized stay, an unregistered departure, or a regularization request incompatible with the initial status may result in the seizure of the deposit, as well as a report to the relevant authorities, jeopardizing future visa applications.
US authorities are also warning against any payments made outside official channels. They further specify that visa holders subject to this requirement must enter and exit the United States through designated ports of entry, including Boston International Airport, New York JFK Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
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