The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, defended visa changes effective July 8, 2025, moving most permits to single-entry visas valid for 3 months. He said the policy reflects reciprocity, security needs, and better compliance.
What changed on July 8, 2025
The United States now issues single-entry visas valid for 3 months to most Nigerian applicants, replacing the previous five-year multiple-entry visas. The policy covers key categories, including B1/B2 (business/tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor).
Visas issued before July 8, 2025 retain their original validity and status, so travelers with existing five-year visas can still use them under the old terms.
Ambassador Mills emphasized this is not punishment but part of a broader global review to improve security, service delivery, and compliance with US immigration laws. Officials cite the principle of reciprocity—countries often match one another’s visa rules where possible.
Why reciprocity matters
US officials highlight a fee and validity mismatch between the two countries:
- Nigerians previously paid about $185 for a five-year US visa.
- Americans typically pay about $160 for a Nigerian visa that is usually single entry, 90 days validity, with a maximum 30-day stay.
This disparity helped explain the US change. Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests the new approach aligns US policy more closely with how Nigerian rules operate for American travelers.
Security and compliance focus
The policy reflects US concerns about:
- Overstay rates
- Document integrity
- Data sharing and access to criminal records
Nigeria states it is improving information sharing with the US, including access to criminal records. It also announced that, effective August 1, 2025, the country will impose strict penalties on foreigners who overstay.
Abuja presents these steps as reciprocal measures that support safer borders for both countries.
Official positions
- Ambassador Mills highlighted the strong and strategic bilateral relationship, noting the US still welcomes Nigerians for study, business, tourism, medical visits, and family reunions, provided travelers follow visa rules.
- Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, supports the change as a security and compliance measure, rejects claims of discrimination, and says the government will work with the US mission to educate the public about visa terms and the risks of misrepresentation.
- The US Department of State frames the change as part of a worldwide review, not a country-specific penalty, and says the rules are subject to ongoing review and may adjust as cooperation grows.
“This is part of a broader global review to improve security, service delivery, and compliance,” officials say, stressing the changes are reversible with improved cooperation.
What this means for travelers
The practical impact is that most trips will now require separate visas. With single-entry rules, you must enter the US within the three-month validity window. After leaving, you will need to apply again for future trips.
Key points to remember:
- Tell the truth on your application and at the interview. False information can lead to deportation and lifetime bans.
- Keep strong proof of ties to Nigeria (work, school, family).
- Plan travel dates carefully; last-minute changes may be costly if your visa expires before travel.
- If you expect multiple trips, budget time and fees for repeat applications.
Fees and comparisons
A quick comparison central to the Embassy’s justification:
| Item | US visa for Nigerians (previous) | Nigerian visa for Americans |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $185 (approx.) | $160 (approx.) |
| Entry type | Five-year multiple-entry (previously) | Single entry |
| Validity | Five years (previously) | 90 days |
| Maximum stay | Varies | 30 days |
This mismatch in fee/validity helped prompt the reciprocity adjustment.
Step-by-step: the general process
- Apply for the relevant non-immigrant visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria, keeping the new limits in mind.
- Prepare for your interview with complete, truthful documents. Expect questions about purpose of travel and ties to Nigeria.
- If approved, you’ll receive a single-entry visa valid for 3 months.
- Travel within the visa’s validity. Do not overstay—overstays can trigger removal and bans.
- Reapply for any future trip, since multiple entries are no longer standard for most categories.
For official policy updates and reciprocity details, check the US Department of State’s website: https://travel.state.gov/
Real-life scenarios
- Business traveler: A Lagos-based founder who previously visited clients in Houston three times a year will now need to plan each trip separately. If her first meeting slips beyond three months, she must reapply for the next visit.
- Student: An F-visa student headed to a US university can still study, but the visa sticker is single entry. If he travels home mid-year, he’ll likely need a new visa before returning to campus.
- Medical traveler: A family arranging a child’s specialized treatment in Boston must match appointment dates to the visa’s three-month validity. If the schedule shifts, they may have to apply again.
Nigeria’s next steps
Abuja says it is boosting data-sharing and expanding public education on visa rules. The government’s August 1, 2025 enforcement plan for foreign overstays signals a tougher stance.
Officials hope these moves will build trust and may lead to future easing of US restrictions if both sides see improved compliance.
Wider global context
US officials note that, as of June 9, 2025, the US suspended visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries on security grounds. Nigeria is not on that list.
Washington continues to call Nigeria a key partner in social and economic development despite tighter entry terms.
What stays the same
- Existing visas remain valid: Visas issued before July 8, 2025 continue under their original terms.
- People-to-people ties continue: The US still welcomes Nigerians for study, business, and family visits when rules are followed.
Practical takeaways
- Mark key dates: Policy effective July 8, 2025; Nigeria’s overstay penalties start August 1, 2025.
- Plan single trips: Expect to apply again for later visits due to single-entry visas valid for 3 months.
- Be truthful: Misrepresentation risks deportation and lifetime bans.
- Keep records: Strong ties to Nigeria support your case.
- Monitor updates: Policies may adjust as cooperation grows.
This rules-first approach from both governments aims to keep travel open while raising compliance and security on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 8, 2025, the US shifted most Nigerian nonimmigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity to enforce reciprocity, improve security, and boost compliance; existing five-year visas remain valid, but travelers must plan separate applications for repeat trips and prepare stronger documentation to avoid penalties and bans.
