By JOY ADARA, Abuja-
United States (US) Government has announced a review of its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria and other countries.
This is contained in a statement titled ” _Revised Visa Reciprocity for Nigeria”_ issued by the US Embassy.
*“New Visa Policy Details”*
According to the statement, “Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”
However, existing US non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.
*“Visa Reciprocity is a Continuous Process”*
The Embassy emphasized that visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time.
“We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process, and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” the statement read.
The US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems and are based on global technical and security benchmarks.
The Embassy listed the standard criteria as:
– Secure Travel Documents: individual countries are required to issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
– Visa Overstay Management: implementation of measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas.
– Information Sharing: sharing of relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
*“US Values Relationship with Nigeria”*
The US Government values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding their partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity.
“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 added.
The US Government encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.
“We encourage Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date,” the statement concluded.
