The United States Department of State has announced new restrictions on non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens, reducing them to single-entry permits valid for only three months.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the US Embassy in Abuja, the new non-immigrant visa policy takes immediate effect and applies to “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas.” The embassy clarified that visas issued before July 8, 2025, will not be affected and will retain their original status and duration.
Explaining the policy change, the embassy said it is part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity review, which ensures that US visa standards match international security and technical benchmarks.
“This is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” the statement said, as captured in the 9am News report.
The embassy outlined that the new restrictions reflect the need for secure travel documents, better visa overstay management, and stronger information-sharing frameworks with the Nigerian government.
Examples of these standards include:
- Issuing secure travel documents with verified traveller identities
- Enforcing measures to limit overstays by US visa holders
- Sharing relevant security and criminal record information to protect public safety
“The US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria,” the statement added.
Despite the tighter visa policy, the US government reaffirmed its commitment to strong diplomatic and people-to-people ties with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity,” the embassy noted.
The statement also commended Nigeria’s ongoing immigration and security reforms and encouraged Nigerian travellers to comply strictly with visa rules.
“Nigerian travellers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date,” the embassy said.
The policy change marks a significant adjustment for Nigerian travellers, who previously enjoyed longer-term, multiple-entry visas for education, tourism, and business trips to the US.
While the embassy described the restrictions as temporary and part of an ongoing review, it remains unclear when broader visa validity and multiple entries might be restored.
For now, Nigerian travellers planning trips to the United States are advised to plan carefully and adhere strictly to the updated requirements to avoid visa violations that could affect future applications.
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