The United States has significantly tightened its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, reducing the validity of most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to just three months.
The change, announced Tuesday by the US Embassy in Abuja, takes immediate effect and limits affected visas to single entries.
Visas issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid for their originally approved duration, but going forward, Nigerian applicants will receive considerably shorter entry privileges.
The decision comes as part of a global review under the US Department of State’s visa reciprocity program, which aligns visa conditions with how US citizens are treated abroad.
According to the embassy, the revised policy is rooted in efforts to uphold global security standards and ensure the integrity of the US immigration system.
Officials emphasized that the move is not a punitive measure, but rather a technical adjustment aimed at improving international travel practices.
The US government said it is working closely with Nigerian authorities to meet key benchmarks, including the issuance of secure travel documents, better tracking of visa overstays, and the sharing of security and criminal data.
Despite the policy shift, American officials reaffirmed their commitment to strong bilateral ties with Nigeria, highlighting ongoing cooperation in areas such as security, economic development, and cultural exchange.
The embassy also praised recent reforms in Nigeria’s immigration and security sectors, encouraging continued compliance with travel regulations.
The message to Nigerian travelers was clear: adhere to visa conditions and maintain the integrity of the process.
The embassy expressed optimism about future collaboration, underscoring that safe, lawful travel remains a shared priority.
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