BREAKING: US Tightens Visa Rules for Nigerians

The United States government has drastically reduced visa validity for Nigerian non-immigrant travelers, allowing only one entry in 90 days.

The new rule affects most non-immigrant, non-official visas issued from July 8, 2025, according to a statement from the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria.

Previously, most Nigerian applicants received two-year, multiple-entry visas. Now, they can only visit once within a three-month window.

The policy change took effect immediately, as the U.S. State Department updated its reciprocal visa policy for Nigeria.

“Effective today, most non-immigrant and non-official visas for Nigerian citizens will be single-entry with 3-month validity,”

the U.S. Mission said in its statement on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Visas issued before July 8 remain valid and unchanged, the embassy clarified.

The decision follows a broader pattern of visa policy tightening in U.S.-Africa relations, often driven by reciprocity rules.

This change could disrupt travel plans, especially for businesspeople, students, and frequent travelers who rely on multiple entries.

Analysts say the move might reflect growing diplomatic tension or policy recalibration between Washington and Abuja.

Although the U.S. has not specified reasons, sources suggest it may be a response to Nigeria’s own visa limitations on Americans.

The Nigerian government has not issued a formal reaction yet.

• Key Points are:
• New policy began July 8, 2025.
• Affects most Nigerian non-immigrant, non-official visa categories.
• Visas are now single-entry with 90-day validity.
• Previous two-year, multiple-entry visas no longer available.
• Existing visas issued before July 8 remain valid.

Travel experts have urged Nigerians to plan U.S. visits carefully and avoid assumptions about visa reusability.

More travelers may now face higher costs and delays due to frequent reapplications under the stricter entry rules.

Legal immigration advocates in both countries have called for transparency and review of such unilateral decisions.

This visa downgrade comes at a time when U.S.-Nigeria relations face scrutiny over trade, security, and diplomatic engagements.

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