Upperhill News

The United States Department of State says it has updated its non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas policy for Nigerians, reducing it three months with single entry.

A press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, said the new visa restrictions take immediate effect, just as it advised Nigerian travellers to comply with the new regulations.

The statement clarified that, “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”

It  noted that the move was part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”

Explaining the rationale behind the policy update, the US said that its visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of its immigration systems.

The embassy said that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.”

It further said the US Mission was working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.

“Examples of these standard criteria include: Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.

“Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”

In spite of the new development, the embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria.

“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read.

The embassy also expressed support for ongoing Nigerian reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.”