The United States has announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy, slashing the validity of temporary visas for citizens of Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Cameroon to just three months and restricting them to single-entry only. The move, which U.S. officials describe as part of a “global reciprocity realignment,” has drawn sharp criticism, especially from Nigerian authorities who have called for a reversal of the policy.
Under the new guidelines, most non-diplomatic visa holders from the three countries—who previously enjoyed longer and often multiple-entry permits—will now face tighter restrictions. The U.S. Department of State stated that visa policies are under continual review and subject to change based on security benchmarks, immigration data sharing, and document integrity.
While Nigeria also offers three-month, single-entry visas to American citizens, questions remain over whether true reciprocity exists in the cases of Cameroon and Ethiopia, where longer stays are typically granted to U.S. travelers.
Nigeria Labels U.S. Decision ‘Disproportionate’
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the policy, describing it as a “disproportionate burden” on Nigerian travelers—including students, professionals, and families seeking to visit loved ones.
In a public statement, the ministry urged Washington to reconsider the move “in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibility.” It confirmed that diplomatic channels are actively working to resolve the issue.
The visa changes come amid a broader tightening of U.S. immigration controls under President Donald Trump, who last month suspended nearly all visa services for citizens of Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. Washington has also implemented heightened digital screening measures, including the review of social media activity for foreign visa applicants.
Geopolitical Reactions and Student Mobility
The policy shift coincides with rising tensions over Africa’s global alignments. Former Nigerian presidential aide Bashir Ahmad suggested the restrictions may reflect unease in Washington over Nigeria’s growing ties with the BRICS bloc, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil.
Analysts are divided. Immigration lawyer Godwin Oke characterized the move as routine diplomatic reciprocity, pointing out the long-standing imbalance in visa durations between the U.S. and Nigeria. However, others argue the decision carries political undertones and could affect educational and cultural exchange.
Nigeria remains a key partner in educational exchange with the United States. According to the 2024 Open Doors report, the number of Nigerian students in U.S. institutions rose by 13.5% from the previous year, making Nigeria the top African source of international students.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The U.S. embassy in Nigeria has previously warned that overstaying visas could result in lifetime bans and criminal charges, although no official figures have been released on overstay rates.
Meanwhile, many young Nigerians—especially among the growing “Japa” migration movement seeking opportunities abroad—fear that these new barriers could jeopardize their futures.
In parallel, President Trump’s recent executive orders have drawn concern across the continent. His administration has cited national security concerns and “inadequate vetting” procedures as the basis for travel restrictions targeting multiple African nations. Nigerian officials have responded by cautioning that such unilateral actions could harm U.S.-Africa relations, particularly in areas like trade in rare earth minerals and energy cooperation.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, the outcome may shape not only travel policies but the broader tone of U.S. engagement with the African continent.