The U.S. State Department has officially rolled back long-standing visa privileges for Nigerians, announcing that only single-entry, three-month non-immigrant visas will now be issued — a significant change from the previous five-year multiple-entry visa policy.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria made the announcement on its website on July 8, confirming the new policy applies to all non-diplomatic, non-immigrant visa applicants.
This shift comes amid broader immigration restrictions under President Donald Trump, who has signed a directive banning citizens of 12 countries, including seven African nations, from entering the U.S. While Nigeria is not currently on that list, a State Department memo from June revealed that a broader travel ban covering 36 countries — including Nigeria — is under consideration. That proposed ban has yet to be formally enacted.
“We wish to underscore that, as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time,” the U.S. statement read, adding that permitted entries and visa durations may be adjusted.
Nigerian Response and Impact
A Nigerian Foreign Ministry official told Reuters that Nigeria does not have any reciprocal visa restriction on U.S. citizens. Despite the one-sided nature of the policy, the U.S. justified the move as part of its regular visa review process.
In 2024, Nigeria accounted for nearly 20% of all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued in Africa, according to State Department data — a clear indication of the importance of U.S.-Nigerian travel ties, particularly for business, education, and family visits.
Trade Tensions on the Rise
At the same time, Trump is hosting the leaders of five African countries — Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — for commercial talks at the White House. A lunch and closed-door meetings are expected to continue through Friday.
However, Nigeria — notably absent from the summit — has raised concerns. Last month, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister warned that U.S. visa restrictions and trade tariffs could hinder emerging trade opportunities with West Africa, especially in rare earth minerals and energy sectors, where Nigeria holds strategic interest.
As tensions simmer, the visa rollback is expected to have ripple effects across Nigerian communities, particularly students, entrepreneurs, and families with ties to the U.S.