The US Department of State has revised its non-immigrant visa regulations for citizens of Nigeria.
The US Embassy in Abuja said in a press release on Tuesday that “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”
The review of the US government’s visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria limited the validity of some non-immigrant visas, such as those for business and tourism (B1/B2), students (F), and exchange visitors (J), to three months and only allowed for single-entry.
The new restrictions on visas are effective immediately.
“Those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity,” the embassy clarified.
Reasons for Nigerians’ visa validity period to 3 months
The department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy characterised as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity”, was highlighted in the statement as the reason for the action.
“US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems,” the US stated in its explanation of the reasoning behind the policy update.
“These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks,” the embassy continued.
The embassy stated that in order to meet these standards, the US Mission was collaborating with Nigerian authorities.
“The US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria,” the statement said.
Examples of these standard criteria include:
Secure travel documents: Make sure that nations provide secure travel documents that bear the identities of confirmed travellers.
Visa overstay management: Putting policies in place to restrict travellers’ overstays on US visas
Information sharing: To ensure public safety, pertinent security and criminal record information should be shared.
USA’s diplomatic relationship with Nigeria
Despite the new restrictions, the embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria.
“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, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read.
The embassy also expressed support for ongoing Nigerian reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.”
Nigerian travellers were advised to comply with visa regulations.
Nigerian government reacts
The United States’ decision to tighten visa requirements for Nigerian nationals has drawn criticism from the country’s federal government.
The government called for a “reconsideration in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation”, describing the action as disproportionate.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, the FG expressed “concern and keen interest” in the new policy, especially given the two countries’ historically friendly relations.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.”
“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.”
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” said Ebienfa.
The statement claims that the policy change would have a wide-ranging effect on Nigerians, including professionals engaged in lawful business, families visiting loved ones, and students pursuing education in the US.
The government emphasised that the restriction might impede educational and cultural exchanges, which have long been a cornerstone of relations between the United States and Nigeria.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.”
The ministry also stated that diplomatic talks are in progress and that Nigeria is still dedicated to finding a solution that is equitable and respects the principles of shared interest.
“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.