In a sweeping policy adjustment aimed at tightening immigration controls, the United States has announced a significant restriction on non-immigrant visa issuance for Nigerian citizens.
Effective immediately, most Nigerian applicants will now be granted single-entry visas valid for just three months, down from longer multi-entry durations previously available.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria confirmed the change in a statement on Tuesday, aligning the decision with Washington’s ongoing commitment to the principle of visa reciprocity — a policy that ensures U.S. visa terms reflect those offered to American citizens by other nations.
The policy traces its roots to the Trump-era immigration doctrine and currently affects multiple countries, including Nigeria.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will be single-entry with a three-month validity period,” the U.S. Mission declared.
However, the Mission clarified that visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, would remain valid under their original terms.
While the move has sparked concern among Nigerian travelers and business communities, U.S. officials emphasized that such visa policy changes are part of a standard global process aimed at preserving the integrity of the immigration system.
“Visa reciprocity is reviewed regularly and may be updated to either increase or decrease the number of permitted entries and the length of validity,” the Mission explained.
This action underscores the United States’ broader immigration security framework, which bases visa policies on global benchmarks and security criteria. It also highlights Washington’s ongoing efforts to bring bilateral visa regimes into alignment, particularly with countries where reciprocity is deemed imbalanced.
Still, the U.S. sought to temper the implications of the decision by reaffirming its strategic relationship with Nigeria — Africa’s most populous nation and a key regional partner.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and is committed to strengthening cooperation based on mutual respect, shared security goals, and economic opportunity,” the statement continued.
Diplomatic observers note that such visa restrictions, though technical, can have wider implications. Similar measures in the past have led to tension between nations or prompted reciprocal actions.
The Mission praised Nigerian immigration and security authorities for their ongoing reforms and signaled continued collaboration.
“We commend the efforts of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to align with international best practices and remain in active dialogue to address outstanding issues.”
Nigerian nationals are urged to respect visa terms and ensure all documentation submitted for travel is authentic and up to date.
In contrast, the U.S. Mission’s tone remains procedural, with a focus on cooperation and policy alignment rather than punitive measures.
