The U.S. State Department recently announced significant changes to the visa issuance process for Nigerian nationals. Effective July 8, 2025, most nonimmigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerians will be restricted to single entry and valid for only three months. This new policy is part of a reciprocity adjustment aimed at aligning the treatment of Nigerian nationals with how U.S. citizens are treated under Nigeria’s visa regime.
According to the State Department, the updated guidelines are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems and are based on global technical and security benchmarks. The U.S. Mission is working closely with the Government of Nigeria to ensure compliance with these criteria. It is important to note that non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025 will retain their status and validity. Visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time.
For Nigerian travellers, the changes primarily affect nonimmigrant visas such as those for tourism, business, or study purposes. Previously, most Nigerian applicants received multiple-entry visas valid for two to five years, allowing for flexible travel to the U.S. during the validity period. However, under the new policy, travellers will now be issued single-entry visas valid for only three months. This means that once a traveller enters and exits the United States, the visa cannot be reused, requiring a new visa application process for each visit.
The shift to single-entry visas not only increases the financial burden and administrative demands on Nigerian travellers but also limits their ability to plan multiple trips or respond to last-minute obligations abroad. Businesspeople, students, and frequent flyers will be particularly impacted by these changes.
Overall, the updated visa policy signifies a significant shift in the travel requirements for Nigerian nationals visiting the United States. It is essential for travellers to be aware of these changes and plan their trips accordingly to avoid any disruptions or challenges during their visit to the U.S.
