US Slashes Nigerian Visa Validity to Three Months, Limits Entry to Single Use

The United States Department of State has announced a significant change to its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, reducing the validity of most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to just three months with a single-entry allowance. The policy, which took immediate effect on July 8, 2025, was disclosed by the US Embassy in Abuja via an official press statement on Tuesday.

The embassy clarified that all existing US non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians before the implementation date will remain valid under their original terms. However, going forward, new visa applicants will be issued single-entry visas valid for only 90 days.

According to the US authorities, the update is part of a broader global visa reciprocity framework aimed at aligning visa policies with international security and immigration standards. The statement emphasized that visa validity and entry conditions are subject to continuous review and may be modified depending on evolving technical and security benchmarks.

Among the criteria influencing the decision are the need for secure travel documents with verified identities, improved visa overstay management, and enhanced information sharing on criminal or security risks. The US government explained that the new restrictions are intended to protect the integrity of its immigration system while encouraging partner countries to align with global best practices.

Despite the stricter visa terms, the embassy stressed that the United States remains committed to its longstanding bilateral relationship with Nigeria. It praised Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration and security infrastructure and expressed a willingness to work with Nigerian authorities to meet the outlined benchmarks.

Nigerian travellers were urged to adhere strictly to visa rules and ensure their travel documents are genuine and current. The embassy also reiterated its intention to deepen diplomatic, cultural, and educational ties with Nigeria and looks forward to continued cooperation with both the Nigerian government and its citizens to ensure safe and lawful travel.