FG initiates diplomatic talks with US over Visa ban

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated diplomatic talks with the United States government regarding the new visa policy for Nigerians.

DDM News gathered that as of July 8, 2025, the US government will issue most non-immigrant visas to Nigerians with a single-entry validity of three months.

This policy change has sparked concerns among Nigerian travelers, businesspeople, and students.

Nigerian citizens will receive single-entry visas valid for three months, limiting their flexibility to travel to the US.

Most non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 (tourist and business), student visas, and other temporary visit visas, are subject to this new policy.

Visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their original validity and terms.

The US policy mirrors Nigeria’s visa rules for American citizens, aiming to maintain consistency in visa policies between the two countries.

The Nigerian government, led by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has engaged in diplomatic discussions with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

Realignment of visa reciprocity and enhancement of bilateral security cooperation.

Addressing issues related to visa overstays and improving information-sharing between the two countries.

The new visa policy has raised concerns among Nigerian travelers, businesspeople, and students who frequently visit the US.

Many have expressed worries about the potential impact on trade, education, and tourism between the two countries.

The Nigerian government has described the policy as “a setback” to bilateral travel relations and has called for constructive dialogue to address the gaps in the visa reciprocity framework.

The US Embassy in Nigeria has stated that the new policy aims to maintain the integrity of the US immigration system, aligning with standard global practices on visa reciprocity.

The US government values its relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding partnerships based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunities.

Nigerian citizens seeking to visit the United States 🇺🇸 now face a major change in visa policy. As of July 8, 2025, the U.S. government has started issuing most nonimmigrant and non-diplomatic visas to Nigerians as single-entry visas, each valid for only three months.

This shift, confirmed by both the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. State Department, marks a significant departure from the previous system, where many Nigerians could receive visas valid for multiple entries over several years.

The new policy means that most Nigerians applying for U.S. nonimmigrant visas—including those for tourism, business, study, and other temporary visits—will now receive a visa that allows them to enter the United States 🇺🇸 only once.

After leaving, even if the three-month period has not expired, the visa cannot be used again.

This rule applies to new visas issued from July 8, 2025, onward. Visas issued before this date keep their original validity and conditions, so travelers with older, multiple-entry visas can still use them as before.

U.S. officials say this change is a “reciprocity measure.” In simple terms, the United States 🇺🇸 is matching the way Nigeria treats U.S. citizens who want to visit Nigeria.

According to the U.S. State Department, “Visa reciprocity is a dynamic, ongoing process,” and the new rules are meant to ensure fairness between the two countries.

The U.S. government also points to broader efforts to improve security, manage visa overstays, and make sure all countries meet certain technical standards for travel documents and information sharing.

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