The United States has announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, cutting the duration and conditions under which most Nigerian travellers can enter the country.
As from 8 July, the US Department of State says nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry and valid for only three months.
It says this is part of a global reciprocity realignment, a sharp shift from previous visa terms, which often allowed for multiple entries over two years or more.
Nigeria also offers single-entry visas valid for three months only for those planning to visit the country from the US.
The Nigerian government has not yet commented.
The State Department says visa policies remain “subject to ongoing review” and may change depending on evolving diplomatic, security, and immigration benchmarks.
In a statement, the US government said it was working closely with Nigerian authorities to ensure the country meets key international standards.
These include:
- issuing secure travel documents
- managing visa overstays
- sharing security or criminal data for public safety purposes
The US also ordered that the social media accounts of all foreigners applying for visas, including from Nigeria, would be vetted for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States”.
Nigerians account for one of the highest number of student-visa applications to the US in the world.
According to the 2024 Open Doors report on international education exchange, Nigeria was the seventh largest source of international students globally to the US and the highest in Africa, with 20,029 enrollees.
The report published by the US department of state, bureau of educational and cultural affairs showed a 13.5 percent increase from 2023.
Reacting to the cut, former president Muhammadu Buhari’s aide said he believes US is not reciprocating but showing discomfort with Nigeria.
Bashir Ahmad whose post on X generated conversation on the topic is of the opinion that President Bola Tinubu‘s recent visit to Brazil for the BRICS gathering was behind the move.
“This is not solely about reciprocity. Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS,” he wrote.
In a recent update to the visa policy of the United States, Nigerians are now facing a shorter duration for their visas. This new development has significant implications for Nigerians looking to travel to the US for various reasons, including tourism, business, or education. Let’s delve into the details of this new policy and understand how it may impact Nigerian travelers.
What is the New Policy?
Under the new policy, Nigerians applying for US visas will now be granted a shorter duration of stay compared to previous years. This means that travelers from Nigeria will have a limited period to stay in the US before having to renew their visas. The exact duration of the visas will vary depending on the type of visa applied for and the specific circumstances of the applicant.
Why the Change?
The decision to shorten the duration of US visas for Nigerians is reportedly due to concerns over visa overstays. US immigration authorities have expressed worries about a high rate of visa overstays among Nigerian travelers, prompting the need for stricter regulations. By reducing the length of visas granted to Nigerians, US officials hope to mitigate the risk of individuals staying in the country beyond their permitted period.
How Does This Affect Nigerian Travelers?
For Nigerian travelers, the shorter visa duration poses a challenge, especially for those planning extended stays in the US. Business professionals, students, and tourists from Nigeria will now need to consider the tighter restrictions when making travel plans to the United States. It may require more frequent visa renewals and added complexities in maintaining legal status while in the US.
Tips for Nigerian Travelers:
- Plan Ahead: With the new visa policy in place, it’s essential for Nigerian travelers to plan their trips well in advance and factor in the shorter visa duration.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any updates or changes to US visa policies that may affect Nigerian travelers. Stay connected with official channels for accurate information.
- Compliance is Key: To avoid any issues with visa enforcement, Nigerian travelers must adhere to the terms and conditions of their visas and comply with US immigration laws.
Conclusion:
The shorter US visa duration for Nigerians under the new policy underscores the importance of thorough planning and compliance for travelers from Nigeria. While the change may present challenges, staying informed and proactive can help mitigate any potential issues during visits to the United States. By understanding the implications of the updated policy and taking necessary precautions, Nigerian travelers can navigate the evolving landscape of US visa regulations effectively.