The United States has introduced major restrictions on visa access for most Nigerian nationals, reducing the duration and limiting the scope of non-immigrant visas in what it calls a “reciprocity realignment.”
Starting July 8, nearly all non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will be valid for a single entry only and expire after three months, the US State Department announced. This marks a significant rollback from earlier policies that often granted multi-entry visas valid for up to two years or more.
US officials say the move aligns with how Nigeria currently treats US citizens, offering them only single-entry visas also valid for three months. However, the Nigerian government has yet to publicly respond.
In a statement, Washington said visa rules are under “ongoing review” and may evolve based on Nigeria’s compliance with international standards. These include issuing secure travel documents, preventing visa overstays, and sharing criminal and security data with foreign governments.
The US has also expanded scrutiny of visa applicants’ social media presence, warning that any signs of “hostility” toward American institutions, culture, or values could result in visa denials.
Nigeria, which sent more students to the US than any other African nation in 2024, may see the move as a diplomatic snub. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad suggested the decision reflected political displeasure, linking it to President Bola Tinubu’s overtures to the BRICS bloc, including a recent visit to Brazil.
“This isn’t just about reciprocity,” Ahmad wrote on X. “It’s a signal of US discomfort with Nigeria’s shifting global alliances.”