U.S. Halts Multiple-Entry Visas for Nigerians, Announces New Single-Entry Policy
The United States government has implemented sweeping changes to its visa policy for Nigeria and several other countries, ending the issuance of multiple-entry visas for most Nigerian travelers.
In a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the new rule took effect on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and now limits most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to a single entry with a three-month validity.
The embassy explained that the change aligns with America’s global reciprocity policy, which requires visa arrangements to mirror those granted to U.S. citizens by other countries.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period,” the U.S. Embassy said.
However, the new rule does not apply to visas issued before July 8, 2025, which will remain valid according to their original terms.
According to the embassy, visa reciprocity is a standard practice worldwide and is “subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
The statement reads: ”The United States Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
“Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.
“U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems. These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks. The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.
“Examples of standard criteria include: Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.
“Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger. We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices. We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.
“Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date. The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. “We look 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.”
Nigerians are urged to comply with visa conditions and ensure their travel documents remain valid and authentic.
The latest directive comes amid rising global concerns about immigration integrity and the need to tighten cross-border travel security.
