Nigeria Urges U.S. to Reverse New Visa Policy Limiting Entry and Validity for Nigerian Travellers
Written by Okafor Joseph Afam | SpringnewsNG Media Limited
Tel: +234 703 949 0464 | Email: springnewsng@gmail.com | July 10,2025
Nigeria Asks U.S. to Reconsider 3-Month Single-Entry Visa Restriction for Citizens
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially called on the United States to reconsider its new visa policy that limits non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens to just three months and single entry. The government described the move as a departure from longstanding principles of reciprocity, fairness, and mutual respect.
In a statement released by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed concern that the new visa restriction—which took effect on July 8, 2025—will negatively impact a broad category of Nigerian travelers, including students, business professionals, and families.
New U.S. Visa Policy Targets Multiple Categories
The affected visa categories include:
- B1/B2 – Business and tourism
- F – International students
- J – Cultural and academic exchange visitors
“The Nigerian government views this development with concern, especially in light of the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States,” the Foreign Ministry stated.
Impact on Nigerian Citizens and Bilateral Relations
Officials say the revised U.S. visa rules place a disproportionate burden on law-abiding Nigerian citizens who frequently engage in:
- Academic pursuits abroad
- Legitimate business activities
- Cultural exchanges
- Family and diplomatic visits
The ministry said this policy change could undermine decades of bilateral cooperation across key sectors such as education, security, governance, and commerce.
“This restriction appears inconsistent with the mutual respect and equity that have historically defined Nigeria-U.S. relations,” the statement added.
Nigeria Calls for Policy Review in the Spirit of Partnership
While acknowledging the sovereign right of the U.S. to shape its immigration policy, Nigeria urged Washington to reassess the decision “in the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and shared global responsibilities.”
The Nigerian government also assured that diplomatic engagement is ongoing through appropriate channels, with the aim of achieving a solution that reflects fairness and mutual interest.
U.S. Embassy Clarifies Policy Validity for Existing Visa Holder
In a related update, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria clarified that all non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025 will retain their original terms and duration.
The embassy also emphasized that visa reciprocity is a global standard that undergoes regular reviews and could be subject to change based on national interests.
“Entry frequency and visa validity are periodically adjusted in line with global immigration practices,” the embassy noted.
What’s Next?
Analysts believe Nigeria may adopt reciprocal measures if the U.S. fails to respond positively. However, for now, the government is focused on dialogue and diplomacy.
The situation continues to draw attention from:
- International students preparing for fall academic sessions
- Nigerian-American families
- Business travelers who rely on regular cross-border movement
Stakeholders are calling for a balanced and collaborative solution that preserves the strong diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.
Written by Okafor Joseph Afam
Publisher, SpringnewsNG Media Limited
Tel: +234 703 949 0464
Email: springnewsng@gmail.com
