The United States has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigeria, as part of an ongoing tightening of immigration policies toward several African countries. The changes significantly reduce the duration and flexibility of visas issued to Nigerian passport holders.
Previously, Nigerian citizens were eligible for five-year, multiple-entry visas allowing them to stay in the U.S. for up to six months per visit. This policy, which replaced earlier two-year visas, had been in effect since March 2023. Certain qualified applicants could also renew their visas without attending an in-person interview.
Under the revised regulations, however, Nigerians will now only be issued single-entry visas valid for three months.
The U.S. State Department stated that the change aims to preserve the integrity of the immigration system and is in line with the principle of reciprocity. American officials explained that Nigeria does not currently offer five-year visas to U.S. citizens, despite previously announcing plans to introduce such a policy in 2023. This lack of reciprocity prompted Washington to adjust its own policy accordingly.
Broader Visa Restrictions Across Africa
The Trump administration has been tightening immigration, foreign aid, and trade policies that disproportionately affect African nations. In June 2025, new travel restrictions affecting 19 countries — mainly in Africa and the Middle East — came into effect. Plans are reportedly underway to expand similar restrictions to 25 more African countries, with Nigeria again among those being considered.
The U.S. also cited overstay rates as a reason for the new policy. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s 2024 report, the visa overstay rate was 50% in Chad, 29% in Congo-Brazzaville, 26% in Sudan, and 7% in Nigeria. In 2023 alone, nearly 6,000 Nigerians reportedly remained in the U.S. beyond their visa expiration.
Impact on Nigeria’s Foreign Relations
Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has prioritized economic revitalization through foreign investment and trade deals. However, the government’s failure to appoint ambassadors to several key countries — including the United States — during Tinubu’s second year in office has hindered its diplomatic outreach.
The visa restrictions come at a critical time, as Nigeria seeks to rebuild regional solidarity across West Africa, especially in the wake of recent coups in neighboring states.