In a significant update, the United States Department of State has announced a major change to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens.
Going forward, most non-diplomatic U.S. visas issued to Nigerians will be valid for only three months and permit a single entry.
This policy took immediate effect, as revealed in an official statement by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
“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,” the Embassy announced.
Visas Issued Before July 8, 2025, Remain Unaffected
The new rule will not affect visas that were issued before July 8, 2025. Those visas will remain valid according to their original terms.
Why the Change?
The U.S. government cited visa reciprocity—a global standard that ensures equal treatment between countries—as the reason behind the revision. According to the Embassy, visa terms are subject to regular reviews and can be adjusted at any time to reflect security, technical, and diplomatic considerations.
Nigeria Must Meet U.S. Visa Benchmarks
The United States emphasized that the new rule aligns with ongoing efforts to protect its immigration system and enforce global security standards. These benchmarks include:
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Enhancing the security of Nigerian travel documents
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Improving identity verification measures
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Effectively managing visa overstays
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Sharing security and criminal data for immigration vetting
U.S. Commends Nigeria’s Efforts
While implementing the new policy, the U.S. also acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in aligning with international best practices.
“We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices,” the statement noted.
A Call for Compliance
Nigerian travelers have been advised to strictly adhere to the conditions of their U.S. visas and ensure that their travel documents are valid, secure, and verifiable.
Despite the changes, the U.S. reaffirmed its strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria, especially in the areas of education, business, and cultural exchange.
“The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria. We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels.”
