The United States has revised its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ethiopia, drastically reducing the validity period and entry conditions for most travelers from the three countries.
According to the US Department of State, nearly all non-diplomatic, non-immigrant visas issued to citizens of these nations will now be single-entry and valid for only three months.
This is a significant shift from previous terms that often allowed multiple entries over periods of up to two years or more.
The policy change, part of what the US calls a “global reciprocity realignment,” is designed to reflect how these countries treat US citizens.
However, Nigeria has rejected claims of offering only short-term, single-entry visas to Americans.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga clarified that Nigeria continues to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to US nationals, calling the US rationale inaccurate.
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While officials in Cameroon and Ethiopia have yet to respond, available data suggests the US is eligible for one-year visas in Cameroon and 90-day visas in Ethiopia.
The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the new US policy, labeling it disproportionate and warning that it could hinder long-standing cultural and educational exchanges between both countries.
A US State Department statement noted that visa policies are under constant review and subject to change based on various diplomatic, immigration, and security considerations. These include: Issuance of secure travel documents, Efforts to reduce visa overstays and Cooperation in sharing security and criminal data
Last month, the US imposed even stricter visa sanctions on Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan, suspending all immigrant and non-immigrant visa services.
The US has also increased scrutiny of foreign visa applicants by evaluating their social media presence for signs of hostility toward American institutions or values.
Despite the tension, Nigeria remains an important US partner. According to the 2024 Open Doors report, Nigeria ranked seventh globally—and first in Africa—for international students in the US, with a 13.5% increase in Nigerian student enrollment from the previous year.
While some observers suggest the visa changes reflect growing geopolitical tensions, including Nigeria’s warming ties with BRICS nations, others see the move as a routine exercise in visa reciprocity.
Immigration lawyer Godwin Oke noted: “The US had been granting Nigerians five-year multiple-entry visas, while Nigeria offered Americans short-term, single-entry visas. This realignment was only a matter of time.”
In March, the US mission in Nigeria warned that overstaying a visa could lead to a permanent ban or even criminal prosecution. However, no official figures exist on the number of Nigerians who overstay US visas.
Amid growing uncertainty, many young Nigerians eyeing opportunities abroad—especially in the US—worry that tougher immigration policies could diminish their prospects, even as the “Japa” (escape) trend continues to gain momentum.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx23ywg9w82o
Image Credit: The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria
