The United States government has announced a significant revision to its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, reducing most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to single-entry permits valid for just three months.
This new directive, which took immediate effect on July 8, 2025, was made public through a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday.
According to the Embassy, the updated policy is part of the U.S. Department of State’s global review of visa reciprocity schedules and applies to 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.
However, it clarified that all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians before July 8, 2025, will retain their existing validity and terms.
The U.S. explained that the adjustment aligns with its standard global visa practices and reciprocity principles, adding that such reviews are subject to change at any time.
“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,” the Embassy noted.
The statement also emphasized that visa standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks, and that the U.S. Mission is working closely with the Nigerian government to help Nigeria meet the required criteria.
Nigerian travelers were urged to ensure their travel documents are valid and accurate, and to strictly adhere to the terms of their visas.
Despite the restriction, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through business, education, and cultural exchanges with Nigeria.
The new policy comes amid earlier speculation that the U.S. was considering a visa ban on Nigeria due to concerns over compliance with international visa standards.
