Nigerians applying for non-immigrant U.S. visas will now be issued single-entry, three-month permits, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria announced this week, significantly reducing the previous validity of up to five years with multiple entries.
In a statement published on its website, the embassy described the change as part of a routine global review process. “As is standard globally, visa reciprocity 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,” it said.
The move comes shortly after Nigeria was added in June to a list of 36 countries the Trump administration warned could face travel restrictions unless they addressed security and diplomatic concerns within 60 days. The specific nature of the concerns was not publicly detailed, but U.S. officials have recently cited issues such as overstay rates and document verification.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has not publicly commented on the change, though a senior official in the ministry told local media that Nigeria does not impose similar visa limits on American citizens.
The new restriction could impact thousands of Nigerian travelers, particularly students, professionals, and frequent business visitors, many of whom previously benefited from long-term, multiple-entry visas.
According to U.S. State Department data, Nigerians accounted for nearly 20% of all non-immigrant visas issued to African nationals in 2024, second only to South Africa.
The decision has sparked concern among travel agents, immigration lawyers, and civil society groups in Nigeria, who say the policy risks straining bilateral relations and affecting educational and economic ties between the two countries.
Written By Rodney Mbua
