Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visas to the United States will now receive single-entry visas valid for just three months, marking a sharp policy shift announced by the US Mission in Nigeria on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. This change ends the long-standing practice of issuing two-year, multiple-entry visas to Nigerian citizens, sparking frustration among frequent travelers and visa applicants.
The US Embassy confirmed the update via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating the decision is a reciprocal response to Nigeria’s own visa policy, which grants limited entry validity to American citizens. “Effective today, most non-immigrant & non-official visas for Nigerian citizens will be single-entry with 3-month validity,” the statement read.
Previously, Nigerian visitors to the US—especially those on business, tourism, and academic appointments—could access multiple-entry visas spanning 24 months. The change is seen by diplomatic observers as a push for equitable treatment between the two nations, yet it may significantly affect business executives, students, entertainers, and diaspora families who frequently travel for personal and professional reasons.
Immigration lawyers and travel consultants across Nigeria have already begun receiving anxious calls from clients, with many calling the policy restrictive and counterproductive. A Lagos-based immigration attorney, Ayo Aluko, described the move as “a diplomatic response that punishes ordinary Nigerians more than it influences bilateral policy.”
Statistics from the US State Department show that Nigeria remains one of the top African countries for US visa applications, with over 60,000 non-immigrant visas issued annually prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country also contributes a large number of international students and healthcare professionals to the US workforce, further complicating the impact of such visa constraints.
Despite the setback, the embassy noted that diplomatic and official visa categories remain unaffected. Students and exchange visitors may also qualify for special considerations depending on individual cases, though these are subject to consular discretion.
As of press time, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a formal response. Travel experts, however, are urging the federal government to review its visa policy towards the US to prevent escalating restrictions that may hurt Nigeria’s global engagement, economic interests, and diaspora links.
