The U.S. Department of State has announced changes to its non-immigrant visa reciprocity policy, affecting several countries, including Nigeria. Effective immediately, most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry and valid for three months.
Visas issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid under their existing terms. The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity policies are subject to continuous review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes to entry frequency and duration.
The decision is based on global technical and security standards that guide U.S. visa issuance. According to the U.S. Mission, Nigeria’s compliance with international best practices remains under review, with ongoing collaboration between both governments.
Key standards include:
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Secure Travel Documents: Countries must issue secure passports with verified identities.
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Visa Overstay Management: Countries should implement measures to prevent visa overstays.
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Information Sharing: Cooperation in sharing relevant security or criminal data.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to its bilateral relationship with Nigeria, commending the progress made by Nigerian immigration and security agencies. The U.S. also urged Nigerian travelers to ensure their documents are valid and to strictly follow visa conditions.
The U.S. emphasized its continued support for mutual cooperation, particularly in business, education, and cultural exchange, to strengthen people-to-people ties and ensure secure, lawful travel between both countries.
