The U.S. Department of State has implemented a significant change in its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, effective July 9, 2025. Most categories of nonimmigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerians will now be limited to single-entry use and will have a validity period of only three months.
This new policy marks a departure from previous practice, where multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods were commonly granted.
Visas issued to Nigerian citizens before July 8, 2025, will remain valid under their original terms and are not affected by the new restrictions.
The updated policy excludes official and diplomatic visas, which continue to be issued under existing guidelines.
The change comes as part of a reciprocal visa arrangement between the United States and Nigeria, reflecting similar restrictions Nigeria places on U.S. citizens seeking Nigerian visas. Previously, Nigerian applicants could obtain multiple-entry U.S. visas valid for up to two years or more, allowing for greater flexibility in travel. Under the new rules, Nigerian travelers—including students, business professionals, tourists, and other non-official visitors—will need to apply for a new visa for each trip to the United States, and their stay will be limited to three months per visit.
This policy shift is expected to have broad implications for Nigerians who frequently travel to the U.S. for education, business, tourism, or family visits. The shorter validity and single-entry limitation may increase the cost and complexity of travel planning, requiring more frequent visa applications and potentially longer processing times.
Travelers are advised to plan their trips carefully and allow sufficient time for visa applications. The application process itself remains unchanged, but applicants should be aware of the new entry and validity restrictions when making travel arrangements.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has urged applicants to consult official channels for updated information and guidance. This development underscores the evolving nature of visa policies influenced by diplomatic relations and reciprocal agreements between countries.
