Nigerian government challenges new US visa rules

Summary

• Nigeria urges US to reconsider recent visa policy changes
• Concerns raised over reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect
• Policy deemed potentially detrimental to bilateral relations

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has formally appealed to the United States to revisit its newly introduced visa policy for Nigerian citizens, citing concerns that it undermines principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect.

Effective 8 July 2025, the revised US visa reciprocity policy limits most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians, including business, tourism, student, and exchange visitor categories, to single entry with a validity period of three months. Previously, many Nigerian applicants were granted multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

In a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria described the policy as potentially damaging to longstanding bilateral relations. Officials in Abuja warned that the new restrictions could hinder academic pursuits, legitimate business activities, family visits, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“The policy is misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect,” the statement read.

Nigeria has called on the US government to reconsider its position in the spirit of partnership and shared global responsibility, while acknowledging America’s sovereign right to set immigration rules.

The US Embassy in Nigeria defended the changes as part of a global effort to align visa terms with those offered by partner countries. It noted that US citizens applying for Nigerian visas are typically granted only single-entry visas valid for three months, and that the revised policy reflects an effort to correct that imbalance.

While some experts, including immigration lawyer Godwin Oke, see the decision as a standard diplomatic response, Nigerian stakeholders argue the timing and scope of the policy could strain people-to-people connections and increase the cost and complexity of travel.

Simultaneously, the United Arab Emirates has introduced its own restrictions on Nigerian travellers, including a ban on tourist visas for individuals aged 18–45 without a sponsor and a suspension of transit visas.

These developments have intensified calls for Nigeria to review and modernise its own visa framework to better position itself in future negotiations.

Diplomatic consultations are ongoing as Nigeria continues to advocate for a policy that supports fairness, cooperation, and stronger bilateral ties.