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Cabinet officials

US Revokes 5-Year Visa Reciprocity for Nigeria, Issues Single-Entry Visas with 3-Month Validity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United States government has revised its visa reciprocity policy for Nigerian citizens, a significant departure from the agreement reached under former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, in 2023. The new policy, which takes effect immediately, will issue single-entry visas with a three-month validity period to most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visitors from Nigeria. This move comes after allegations of corruption, drug-related issues, and other concerns against the current leadership of Nigeria. The change has sparked criticism of President Bola Tinubu's foreign policy, with respected journalist Dele Momodu suggesting that the president's limited diplomatic experience is to blame.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has revised its visa reciprocity policy for Nigerian citizens, issuing single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
  • The new policy takes effect immediately and applies to most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens.
  • The move follows allegations of corruption, drug-related issues, and other concerns against the current leadership of Nigeria.
  • The US has clarified that all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.
  • The US visa policy is based on global technical and security benchmarks aimed at protecting the integrity of its immigration systems.
  • The US is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria for a revised visa reciprocity policy.

Statistics:

  • 5 years: the original visa validity period for Nigerian citizens under the previous reciprocity policy.
  • 60 months: the increased visitor visa validity for Nigerians announced in 2023.
  • 3 months: the new validity period for single-entry visas issued to Nigerian citizens.
  • 24 months: the previous validity period for Nigerian visitor visa.
  • 3 years: the extended visa validity for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of the US and Nigeria.
  • July 8, 2025: the cutoff date for non-immigrant visas that will retain their original status and validity.

Sources:

  • The United States Department of State (no reference provided)
  • OSUN DEFENDER
  • Instagram (Dele Momodu)

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