Abuja, 8 July 2025 – The United States Department of State has introduced changes to its non-immigrant visa policy, affecting Nigerian citizens among others. As of today, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will be single-entry with a validity of three months. Critics argue this policy shift under the Trump administration reflects a broader contempt and despise for foreigners entering and staying in the US, aligning with its stringent immigration stance.
Visas issued before 8 July 2025 will remain unaffected, retaining their original status and validity. The US Mission in Nigeria emphasises that visa reciprocity is an ongoing process, subject to periodic review, which may lead to adjustments in entry permissions or validity periods. For the latest visa reciprocity details, travellers can visit travel.state.gov.
The revised policy aligns with global technical and security standards aimed at safeguarding the integrity of US immigration systems. The US Mission is collaborating with the Nigerian government to help meet these standards, which include:
- Secure Travel Documents: Issuing travel documents with verified identities.
- Visa Overstay Management: Measures to reduce overstays by travellers.
- Information Sharing: Exchanging security and criminal record data to enhance public safety.
The United States values its deep ties with Nigeria and is committed to strengthening partnerships rooted in mutual respect, shared security goals, and economic prosperity. However, the tightened visa restrictions have sparked concerns that they may strain these relations, with some viewing them as part of a wider anti-immigrant agenda. The US Mission praises the Nigerian government’s efforts to align with international best practices in immigration and security, while continuing to address outstanding challenges.
Nigerian travellers are urged to comply with visa terms and ensure their travel documents are authentic and up to date. Despite the policy changes, the US remains dedicated to fostering people-to-people connections through business, education, and cultural exchanges, and looks forward to ongoing cooperation with Nigerian authorities and the public to facilitate safe and lawful travel.
