The United States has announced significant changes to its visa policy for Nigeria, effective Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the new regime mandates that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry only, with a maximum validity period of three months.
The change, according to the Embassy, is part of a broader adjustment to the U.S. Department of State’s visa reciprocity policy and affects several countries, including Nigeria. However, visas issued prior to the effective date of 8 July 2025 will remain valid under their original terms.
“This update aligns with the U.S. government’s global reciprocity policy, which governs the number of entries and length of stay permitted for foreign nationals, based on how U.S. citizens are treated by those countries,” the statement read.
The U.S. Mission clarified that the reciprocity policy is subject to ongoing review and may be adjusted to reflect changes in national security standards or bilateral agreements.
The Embassy also outlined standard global requirements that influence visa issuance, including the need for secure travel documentation, effective visa overstay management, and enhanced information sharing between governments on security and criminal matters.
“The U.S. visa system is designed to maintain the integrity of our immigration processes, using internationally recognised security benchmarks,” the statement added.
Despite the changes, the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Nigeria, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
“We commend the Nigerian government’s efforts to strengthen immigration controls and improve adherence to international best practices,” the Embassy noted, adding that discussions with Nigerian officials are ongoing to resolve remaining areas of concern.
Nigerian travellers were advised to ensure their travel documents are accurate and up to date, and to strictly comply with the terms of their visas.
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating lawful travel for business, education, and cultural exchange, and pledged to continue engagement with both the Nigerian government and the public to enhance bilateral ties.
