No More 5-Year Visas: US Limits Nigerian Non -immigrant Visas to Three Months , Single Entry

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen O.
9 July 2025

In a policy reversal that has sent ripples through diplomatic and travel circles, the United States government has drastically cut visa durations for Nigerian citizens from five years to just three months. The change, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday evening, applies to non-immigrant visa categories such as tourism and business—those most commonly sought by Nigerians.

Citing reciprocity and concerns over visa overstays, the U.S. Department of State stated that the new policy aligns with how Nigeria treats American citizens entering its borders. Effective immediately, the decision signals a shift toward more rigid immigration enforcement and recalibrated foreign relations, especially with nations seen as misaligned with U.S. expectations on border control and diplomacy.

The embassy clarified that all visas issued before July 8 remain valid and unaffected. However, any new applicants seeking to visit the U.S. for short-term travel will now receive a visa valid for only 90 days.

This policy backtrack comes barely three years after the U.S. expanded Nigerian visa validity from two years to five, following long-standing complaints about excessive bureaucracy and travel constraints. The 2022 extension had been widely celebrated as a nod to growing economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

But optimism has now given way to frustration and confusion. For many Nigerians, this latest decision feels like a diplomatic slap, raising questions about whether the cost, time, and scrutiny of the U.S. visa process is still worth the effort.

While officials in Washington say the change is rooted in fairness and national security, critics argue it reflects a broader pattern of tightening access to the U.S. for African nations. The announcement follows a string of controversial moves by the Trump administration, including Nigeria’s inclusion on a visa restriction list and the recent proposal to hike tariffs on Nigerian exports by 10% due to its engagement with the BRICS alliance.

Analysts believe the reduced visa duration may have broader implications—stifling tourism, weakening academic and professional exchanges, and limiting opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, students, and families with ties to the U.S.

“It feels punitive,” said a Lagos-based travel consultant. “People spend months preparing, paying high application fees, and attending interviews, only to be granted a three-month window? It’s discouraging.”

As Nigerians adjust to the new travel reality, many await a potential response from the Nigerian government. Will there be negotiations, retaliation, or quiet acceptance?

For now, one thing is clear: the visa window for Nigerians seeking the American dream just got a lot smaller—and far more uncertain.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp