U.S. Tightens Visa Rules for Nigerians with New Single-Entry Policy
The United States has announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity and access privileges previously enjoyed by Nigerian travellers. Under the new guidelines, most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry visas valid for just three months, a sharp departure from previous multi-year, multiple-entry permissions.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria revealed the changes in an official statement on Tuesday, July 8, citing a global visa reciprocity review aimed at aligning U.S. visa practices with those of partner nations.
“This move is part of a broader global reciprocity realignment,” the statement read. “Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”
For years, Nigerian applicants were granted generous visa terms by the U.S. — including five-year multiple-entry tourist and business visas (B1/B2) and two-year student visas (F1). The new policy effectively rolls back those terms for future applicants.
Importantly, the U.S. government clarified that visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will remain valid under their original terms.
What’s Behind the Change?
The policy change stems from the principle of visa reciprocity, a practice under which the U.S. adjusts its visa policies to match those of other countries. Nigerian immigration rules typically grant single-entry visas valid for up to 90 days to American citizens visiting for business or tourism.
“This is standard practice globally,” the U.S. statement noted. “Visa reciprocity is an ongoing process, subject to review and change at any time.”
Who Will Be Affected?
The revised rules primarily affect Nigerians applying for temporary travel to the U.S. under the following visa categories:
- B1/B2 Visitor Visas – for tourism and short-term business.
- F1 Student Visas – for full-time academic studies.
- H-Series Temporary Work Visas – such as H-1B and H-2B.
- J Exchange Visas – for sponsored exchange programs.
Only non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas are affected. Immigrant visas and diplomatic categories are excluded from this change.
While the Nigerian government has not yet responded publicly to the policy shift, the U.S. Mission emphasized that the United States remains committed to its relationship with Nigeria. The statement added that the two countries are collaborating on key security and travel issues, including:
- Issuing secure travel documents,
- Managing visa overstays,
- And sharing criminal or security-related data.
“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 statement said.
In its announcement, the U.S. also encouraged Nigerian travellers to strictly adhere to visa conditions, noting that compliance plays a key role in shaping future immigration policy.
Travellers are advised to ensure that:
- Their travel documents are valid and authentic,
- They do not overstay their visas,
- And they respect the terms of their entry into the United States.
The new visa restrictions could impact thousands of Nigerian tourists, students, and businesspeople who travel to the United States each year. In 2024 alone, Nigeria was among the top African countries for student visa approvals and business travel.
For prospective students, the shift from two-year to three-month single-entry visas may complicate planning and increase the burden of visa renewals or reapplications — especially for those enrolled in multi-year academic programs.
Similarly, Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals engaged in regular U.S. business travel may now have to reapply for a visa after every trip.
Looking Ahead
While the policy change has raised concerns about its potential impact on people-to-people exchanges and cross-border business, it also opens the door for diplomatic engagement. Observers say a review of Nigeria’s own visa policies may be needed if the country hopes to restore longer-term U.S. visa privileges for its citizens.
For now, Nigerians planning travel to the United States are encouraged to review the new visa rules carefully, prepare accordingly, and remain up-to-date with official U.S. embassy announcements.
