…U.S to work with Nigerian government to manage visa overstays

…Visas granted before July 8, 2025 will remain valid under original terms

The United States (U.S) Diplomatic Mission has announced in a press statement, that visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for a single entry and limited to a three-month duration.

The U.S is also currently working with the Nigerian government to help it meet benchmarks such as managing visa overstays.

These significant changes to its visa policy for Nigerian nationals, is aimed at reducing the validity and flexibility of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas.

The US Mission also announced that visas which were granted before July 8, 2025 will remain valid under their original terms.

However, the US Department of State emphasised that visa reciprocity is a dynamic process, subject to ongoing review and adjustment. This may include changes to the number of permitted entries or the length of visa validity.

Adopting stricter security and compliance

According to the US Mission, the revised policy aligns with global security and technical standards aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the American immigration system.

The US is currently working with the Nigerian government to help it meet these benchmarks.

One of the key pillars of the revised visa policy is the requirement for secure travel documentation. This involves ensuring that passports and other travel documents issued by countries are tamper-proof and meet international security standards. It also includes the proper verification of traveller identities to prevent fraud and enhance border security.

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Another critical area is visa overstay management. The United States will partner with Nigeria to implement effective systems that monitor the movement of travellers and help reduce the number of individuals who remain in the country beyond the expiration of their visas.

Also, the policy highlights the importance of information sharing. The US encourages greater cooperation with foreign governments in exchanging relevant security and criminal data. This collaboration is vital for protecting public safety and strengthening mutual trust between nations in managing cross-border travel.

Read also: Overstayed your U.S. visa? 7 practical steps to avoid deportation

Despite the policy shift, the US reaffirmed its commitment to a strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria, grounded in mutual respect and shared priorities in security and economic development.

The US Mission praised the ongoing efforts of Nigerian immigration and security agencies to align with international best practices.

“We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges,” the statement read. “Nigerian travellers are encouraged to comply with visa conditions and ensure their travel documents are authentic, accurate, and current.”

The US government reiterated its dedication to fostering people-to-people ties with Nigeria through business, education, and cultural exchanges. Officials expressed optimism about continued collaboration with both Nigerian authorities and the public to ensure safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between the two nations.

For Nigerian citizens planning to travel to the United States, the rules are stricter and compliance is essential.

The updated information is available at travel.state.gov.

 

Ngozi Ekugo is a Snr. Correspondent at Businessday, covering labour market, lands and governance. She is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), has an MSc Management from the University Hertfordshire and is an alumna of University of Lagos and Queen’s college.

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