The United States has made major changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians, reducing both the duration and conditions for most Nigerian travelers.
Starting 8 July, the US Department of State announced that nearly all non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas for Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry and valid for only three months. This marks a significant shift from previous policies, where visas often allowed multiple entries over two years or longer.
According to the US, the change is part of a broader global “reciprocity realignment.” Nigeria also issues single-entry, three-month visas to American visitors.
So far, the Nigerian government has not responded to the change.
The State Department emphasized that visa policies remain “subject to ongoing review” and may shift depending on diplomatic, security, and immigration developments.
In its statement, the US said it was working with Nigerian officials to help the country meet key international standards. These include:
-
Issuing secure travel documents
-
Managing visa overstays
-
Sharing security and criminal information for public safety
Additionally, all foreign visa applicants—including Nigerians—will have their social media accounts reviewed for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”
According to the 2024 Open Doors report on international education exchanges, Nigeria ranked as the seventh-largest source of international students in the US, and the highest from Africa. The report, published by the US Department of State and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, showed a 13.5% increase in Nigerian student enrollment compared to 2023.
Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, believes the move signals more than just reciprocity. He suggested on X that President Bola Tinubu’s recent participation in the BRICS summit in Brazil may have triggered US displeasure.
“This is not solely about reciprocity. Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the Brics,” Ahmad wrote.
However, immigration lawyer Godwin Oke offered a different perspective, telling the BBC:
“This is a classic case of visa reciprocity under international diplomatic practice. Countries often align their visa terms to reflect mutual treatment.”
“The US had been issuing Nigerians five-year multiple-entry visas, while Nigeria only offered Americans short-term, single-entry visas. From a policy standpoint, it was only a matter of time before the imbalance was addressed.”
Back in March, the US mission in Nigeria issued a firm warning that overstaying a visa could result in a lifetime travel ban and possible criminal charges.
While official data on visa overstays by Nigerian travelers hasn’t been released, many citizens worry that visa approvals could drop further under President Donald Trump’s strict immigration stance.
With more young Nigerians looking to emigrate—a trend widely referred to as Japa (meaning “escape” in Yoruba)—the US continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations.
