The United States Department of State has announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.
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.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the US Mission in Nigeria said the move aligned with the Donald Trump administration’s reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including 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 statement read.
The mission said US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, would retain their status and validity.
The statement emphasised that this move is 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.
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“We wish to underscore that, 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 mission said that US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of the US immigration system.
“These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks. The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.
Examples of these standard criteria include “Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
“Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
Nigerian travelers were advised to comply with visa regulations.
“Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date,” it added.
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.
“We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices. “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,” the statement added.
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.