Recent reports (from July 2025) indicate that the United States Department of State has indeed announced updates to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens. These changes include:
Single-entry visas with a three-month validity period for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, replacing previous longer-term, multiple-entry visas.
The US Embassy has stated that this is part of a "global visa reciprocity process" and is "subject to review and change at any time," emphasizing that it's designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems and is based on global technical and security benchmarks.
They also stated that the US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure Nigeria can meet the criteria, which includes secure travel documents, visa overstay management, and information sharing.
The US has explicitly framed these changes as part of a reciprocal process and not as a punitive measure, despite the fact that Nigerian officials have reportedly expressed that Nigeria does not have a similar reciprocal policy towards US citizens.
Therefore, while the policy has significant implications for Nigerian travelers, the US's official communication characterizes it as a standard and ongoing review of visa reciprocity, rather than a punitive action.
Read full statement below:
The U.S. Mission Nigeria wishes to address misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Nigeria and other countries.
This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.
The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems.
We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.
Our government needs to be more serious and do something good that will outlast them.
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