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The United States Department of State has announced a significant change in visa policy for Nigerian citizens, limiting most non-immigrant and non-resi visas to access to a single entry with a period of validity of only three months.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the US mission in Nigeria confirmed that this new action was immediately effective, and applies to most of the non-immigrant visa categories, including those for business, tourism, and study. The visa issued before July 8, 2025 will remain in effect according to the original requirements.
“Immediately effectively, most of the non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will become a single entry visa with a period of three months validity,” the statement said.
The mission said the US non-immigrant visa issued before July 8, 2025, will maintain their status and validity.
“We want to underline that, as standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and can be reviewed and changed at any time, such as increasing or reducing permitted entries and duration of validity,” he said.
The mission says that US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of the US immigration system.
“This standard is based on technical benchmarks and global security. US missions work with the Nigerian government to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.
“The United States appreciates the old relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnerships based on mutual respect, joint security priorities, and economic opportunities, keeping our two countries safer and stronger.
“We praise sustainable efforts by the Nigerian immigration and security government to meet international best practice standards. We continue to be involved with Nigerian government officials to overcome the remaining challenges,” the statement added.
Why this happens
This policy change is part of the reciprocal visa arrangement initiated under the administration of Donald Trump. According to the US State Department, reciprocity visa means that visa requirements, such as the number of entries and validity period, are harmonized with the requirements received by US citizens when applying for a visa from another country.
Simply put, if Nigeria only offers US citizens, a single entry visa, the US applies the same rules to the Nigerians. This practice is a standard in many countries and is reviewed regularly based on the visa policies of each state and compliance with international immigration standards.
The US government also quotes the need to maintain the integrity of the immigration system, which states that the visa rules are informed by the technical benchmarks and global security. Furthermore, noting ongoing efforts to work with Nigerian immigration and security authorities to be in harmony with this benchmark.
Consequences for nigerian tourists
This change means that the Nigerians who previously received a multi-entry visa valid for up to two or five years now will be given only one entry to the United States per visa, valid for only three months. Further trips will require re -application, including paying a new visa fee and undergoing the entire application process again.
For travelers, students, business people, and families who often visit the US regularly, this can lead to:
- Increased travel costs due to recurring visa costs and application costs.
- Longer processing time and uncertainty with each application.
- Disruption of plans for long -term or repeated visits, especially for those in the education, health and trade sectors.
Diplomatic implications
While the US said they continued to respect their relationship with Nigeria and support efforts to meet international standards, this step can make diplomatic and economic ties if it is not resolved quickly.
The US mission emphasizes sustainable cooperation with Nigerian officials and encourages Nigerian travelers to ensure their documents are accurate and up to date, and to respect visa requirements to avoid future complications.
