Raphael Oni
The United States Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, effective immediately. Most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
According to the press statement from the US Embassy, the Single-entry visas will be valid for three months from the date of issuance. U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity. The policy change is part of a continuous process of review and update, subject to change at any time.
The U.S. Department of State aims to protect the integrity of its immigration systems, based on global technical and security benchmarks. The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria meets the required criteria, including:
Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.
Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
The revised visa policy will impact Nigerian travelers seeking to visit the United States for business, education, or tourism. Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, ensuring travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up-to-date.
