Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The United States has released its updated list of countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 2025, excluding Nigeria, the United Kingdom and other African countries.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of selected countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, primarily for tourism or business purposes.
However, in its latest update, the U.S. government reaffirmed that Nigeria and all African nations remain ineligible, while even the UK—historically a strong U.S. ally—was left out.
The UK’s absence from the VWP list has sparked reactions, given its longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with the U.S.
While British citizens can still travel under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), they must meet additional requirements before entering the U.S.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was not included in the visa-free program, aligning with the U.S. government’s previous stance on strict travel regulations for Nigerian passport holders.
Other African nations also failed to make the list, reflecting ongoing U.S. concerns over immigration policies, security, and diplomatic considerations.
The U.S. VWP currently includes 40 countries, mainly from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Nations like France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and South Korea remain part of the program, benefiting from easier access to the U.S.
The U.S. has consistently cited security risks, high visa overstay rates, and concerns over irregular migration as reasons for not including Nigeria and other African nations in the VWP.
Despite lobbying from African leaders for easier travel policies, the U.S. has maintained a strict stance, requiring citizens from the region to undergo a full visa application process.
For Nigerians and others excluded from the VWP, travelling to the U.S. in 2025 will still require:
Applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Providing extensive documentation and proof of financial stability
Attending an in-person visa interview
While the U.S. has not signalled any immediate plans to expand the VWP to African nations, experts suggest that diplomatic and security improvements could play a role in future decisions.
