The United States Department of State has announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens.
According to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”
The new visa restrictions take immediate effect.
However, the embassy clarified that “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”
The statement emphasised that the move was part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described 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.”
The US explained the rationale behind the policy update, noting that “US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems.”
The embassy added that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.”
According to the embassy, the US Mission was working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.
“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: ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveller identities, Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas, and Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
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 travellers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.”
The embassy concluded with a reaffirmation of its engagement with the Nigerian people and government.
“The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.
“We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” it stated.
