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The United States government has officially revoked five-year multiple-entry visas for Nigerian citizens, replacing them with three-month single-entry visas effective immediately.
TJ News Nigeriareports that the move has triggered widespread concern among frequent Nigerian travelers, students, and professionals who rely on long-term U.S. visas for mobility.
What Has Changed?
According to a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, the U.S. has informed the Nigerian government that it will no longer issue multiple-entry visas valid for five years.
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Instead, all eligible Nigerian applicants will now receive:
- Single-entry visas
- Validity of only 3 months
This policy applies to both new applicants and those renewing expired visas.
Why Did the U.S. Revoke 5-Year Visas for Nigerians?
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the U.S. decision is rooted in two key concerns:
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- High Rate of Visa Overstays by Nigerians
U.S. authorities cited consistent violations of immigration rules by Nigerian travelers who overstay their visas. - Inadequate Access to Applicant Records
The U.S. noted difficulties in verifying personal and security records of Nigerian applicants due to poor data-sharing and identity management systems.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records,” Onanuga said.
Part of Global Visa Reciprocity Review
The U.S. clarified that this adjustment is part of its routine global visa reciprocity process, which reviews and modifies visa validity terms for foreign nationals based on:
- Overstay rates
- National security risk
- Bilateral cooperation on data access
While the U.S. embassy initially attributed the change to visa reciprocity, further communication to Nigerian authorities indicates it stems more from immigration enforcement reviews than mutual treatment.
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Tinubu Reacts: Orders Compliance, Urges Reform
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted swiftly, ordering all federal agencies involved in immigration and identity verification to:
- Comply with Nigeria’s international obligations
- Improve inter-agency cooperation
- Strengthen digital identity systems
“The President has directed all federal agencies to strengthen identity authentication and ensure full cooperation with international partners,” Onanuga stated.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians abroad to conduct themselves in line with host country laws and visa conditions.
Will Nigeria Retaliate?
Despite the development, Nigeria will not reciprocate the U.S. policy. Onanuga confirmed that American citizens will still receive five-year multiple-entry Nigerian visas, maintaining existing protocols.
UAE Visa Rumors Dismissed
Onanuga also addressed unverified reports that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed new visa or transit restrictions on Nigerian citizens. He stated that no official communication has been received from the UAE government on the matter.
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Summary of Key Points
- U.S. now issues 3-month single-entry visas to Nigerians
- Policy driven by overstay violations and record access issues
- Nigeria will not reciprocate, keeps 5-year visa policy for Americans
- Tinubu orders compliance and reforms in identity authentication
- UAE visa ban claims remain unconfirmed by FG
Related Articles on TJ News Nigeria:
- BREAKING: Tinubu Gives Order as FG Reveals Two Reasons Behind U.S. Visa Review
- How to Apply for a U.S. Visa in Nigeria (New Guide)
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