U.S. Imposes Stricter Visa Policy on Nigeria and Other Nations
The United States has implemented a more restrictive visa policy affecting Nigeria, under its newly revised Visa Reciprocity framework.
Announced on Tuesday by the U.S. Department of State, the updated policy affects several countries, including Nigeria. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, the change takes immediate effect and stipulates that most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be limited to single-entry with a validity of three months.
The embassy clarified that visas issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid under their existing terms. It emphasized that visa reciprocity is a dynamic and ongoing process, subject to periodic review and adjustment. Changes could include modifying the number of permitted entries or the duration of visa validity.
“U.S. non-immigrant visa policies are designed to uphold the security and integrity of our immigration systems,” the statement read. “They are aligned with international security standards and technical benchmarks. We are working closely with the Government of Nigeria to support efforts in meeting these criteria.”
Key benchmarks outlined include:
- Secure Travel Documentation: Issuance of tamper-proof travel documents with verified identities.
- Visa Overstay Management: Implementation of systems to minimize visa overstays.
- Information Sharing: Timely exchange of security and criminal record data to safeguard public safety.
Despite the new restrictions, the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains dedicated to expanding our cooperation in areas of mutual interest—security, economic growth, and people-to-people connections,” the statement added. “We commend ongoing efforts by Nigerian immigration and security services to align with global standards and will continue to engage Nigerian officials to resolve outstanding issues.”
The embassy also urged Nigerian travelers to comply with visa conditions and ensure that their travel documents are accurate, genuine, and current.
“The U.S. remains a steadfast partner in fostering educational, cultural, and business exchanges with Nigeria. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian government and citizens to promote safe, lawful, and productive travel between our nations,” the statement concluded.
