The United States of America has reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to three months.
This is contained in an update to the non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens announced by the Department of State on Tuesday, July 8, 2025
A press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja announced that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians from now on will be single-entry with a three-month validity period.
The embassy added that pre-existing visas (issued before July 8, 2025) would retain their status and validity.
The statement attributed the move to the Department’s ‘global visa reciprocity process.’
It said it was a continuous process subject to review and change at any time, “such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
The department further explained that US visa criteria and standards were based on global technical and security benchmarks and designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems.
The statement also indicated that the embassy was already working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.
Some of the criteria listed include ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.
They also include instituting measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas, as well as sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
The embassy stated that the United States valued its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remained committed to expanding its partnership, based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunities, thereby keeping both countries safer and stronger.
America also endorsed ongoing Nigerian reforms, especially ongoing efforts by the country’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.
The embassy urged Nigerian travellers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.
It reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Nigeria to deepen people-to-people ties via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.
The US said it looked forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries.
It would be recalled that the US also recently announced a policy compelling student visa applicants to adjust their social media accounts’ privacy settings to ‘Public.’
You can read that report here.
