The United States has drastically cut visa validity for most Nigerian applicants, reducing non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas to single-entry status valid for only three months. Effective from July 8, the new policy marks a sharp shift from previous visa terms that allowed multiple entries over a period of up to five years for Nigerian citizens.
The US Department of State described the move as part of a global “reciprocity realignment,” aligning its visa rules with those of host countries. Nigeria currently offers US citizens single-entry visas valid for three months, a policy cited as justification for the change. However, critics argue that this shift may reflect deeper diplomatic tensions rather than simple policy parity.
The US government emphasized the importance of Nigeria meeting international standards on secure travel documentation, managing visa overstays, and sharing criminal and security data. In addition, visa applicants’ social media accounts will be scrutinized for signs of hostility toward the US or its institutions.
While the Nigerian government has yet to officially respond, the change has drawn mixed reactions. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad suggested the move was politically motivated, speculating that Nigeria’s warming ties with the BRICS bloc particularly President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil may have triggered US unease.
Immigration lawyer Godwin Oke, however, views the change as a standard diplomatic measure. “The US had long offered Nigerians generous visa terms not reciprocated by Nigeria. From a policy standpoint, it was only a matter of time before this imbalance was addressed,” he told the BBC.
The decision is likely to affect many Nigerians, especially students and professionals. According to the 2024 Open Doors report, Nigeria was the largest African source of international students to the US, with a 13.5% increase from 2023.
Concerns also linger over potential visa rejections under stricter enforcement. The US mission in Nigeria warned in March that overstaying visas could lead to permanent bans and criminal charges.
The policy change is a blow to many young Nigerians eager to “Japa” a Yoruba term meaning “to escape” to the United States, which remains a top migration destination.
