The United States has introduced a significant policy shift, restricting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerian citizens to a three-month validity period with a single-entry allowance, effective from July 8, 2025.
This decision was formally announced by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, through an official statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. The policy adjustment, enacted under the administration of President Donald Trump, is framed as a reciprocal measure, aligning visa terms with what the U.S. perceives as necessary to safeguard the integrity and security of its immigration system. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among Nigerian travelers, businesses, and government officials.
The U.S. Mission clarified that this restriction applies exclusively to visas issued on or after July 8, 2025, leaving previously issued visas unaffected and valid under their original conditions. The statement emphasized that the policy stems from a comprehensive review of global technical and security standards, including the issuance of secure travel documents, effective management of visa overstays, and the sharing of critical security information.
The U.S. highlighted ongoing collaboration with Nigerian immigration and security agencies to address identified challenges, such as document fraud, which has been a point of contention in bilateral talks. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar expressed disappointment, noting that the decision could strain educational and economic exchanges, with over 10,000 Nigerian students currently enrolled in U.S. institutions annually. Travel agencies are advising clients to plan trips carefully, while the Nigerian government has scheduled a diplomatic meeting with U.S. officials for late July to seek clarification and potential exemptions, though no specific outcomes are guaranteed at this stage.
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