The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally responded to recent visa policy changes by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which impose tighter entry requirements on Nigerian travelers.
In separate statements, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the new regulations, describing them as restrictive and requesting diplomatic engagement to review and address the implications for Nigerian citizens in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.”
This comes just as the United Arab Emirates imposed tougher entry conditions for Nigerian travellers, banning transit visa applications entirely.
According to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while those aged 45 and above must provide a six-month personal bank statement showing at least $10,000 monthly balance before they are granted visas.
On Wednesday, the British High Commission in Abuja also announced a change to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.
The announcement by the US Department of State in Abuja on Tuesday that, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and limited to a single entry sparked the FG’s reaction.
The US Government had announced a revision to its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, limiting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas—including the B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories—to just three months, and restricting them to single entry.
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The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the government was closely examining the new directive and its potential implications.
“We are assessing the new policy and its necessary implications. The government will respond soon, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders,” Ebienfa told newsmen.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by Ebienfa, the FG said it viewed the new policy with “concern and keen interest,” particularly in light of the historically cordial relations between the two nations.
“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.
“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” Ebienfa said.
According to the statement, the policy change would have a broad impact on Nigerians, affecting students seeking education in the US, professionals involved in legitimate business, and families visiting loved ones.
The government emphasised that the restriction could hamper cultural and educational exchanges that have long been a foundation of US-Nigeria relations.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.
“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.
The ministry also confirmed that diplomatic engagements are underway, adding that Nigeria remains committed to seeking a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.
FG, US meet
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led an FG delegation that held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., on Wednesday as the FG moved to resolve the issue.
He stated on his X handle, “I held a constructive meeting with the US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today (Wednesday), to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.
The meeting, attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.
“The discussions centred on visa reciprocity, with Ambassador Mills Jr. providing valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.
“The Ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance application process for foreign travellers into the country.”
He added, “The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.
Our government under the leadership of President @officialBAT Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across board in key areas including: 1. Secure travel documents: Ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. 2. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas. 3. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
According to the US Embassy, the revised visa terms are part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process. The initiative was designed to align visa policies with international standards and security requirements.
The embassy stated that the new guidelines applied only to visas issued on or after July 8 and that existing visas would remain valid until their expiration.
The embassy also explained the reasoning behind the policy, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the US immigration system.
Among the benchmarks the US considers essential are the issuance of secure travel documents, effective management of visa overstays, and information sharing on criminal records and other security-related data.
According to the embassy, the US Mission is working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.
Despite the stricter regulations, the US government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria.
In light of the changes, the US government urged Nigerian travelers to observe all visa conditions.
Diplomats react
Commenting on the development, a retired diplomat, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, described the measure as temporary and subject to review.
Akinkuolie called for a reciprocal response by the Nigerian government and urged that such reciprocity should be adjusted once the US revises its stance.
He said, “The policy of USA to reduce non-immigrant visa to three months, single entry is temporary, and subject to review. Nigeria should also reciprocate in like manner. And when the policy is reviewed by the other party, Nigeria should also do the same.
“Government delegations and diplomats of both countries travelling to USA, and Nigeria are not affected by this policy, which is an indication that government to government relationship between the two countries is still strong.
“Normally, anyone travelling to USA to visit family members, or as a tourist, should not stay for more than three months, except there is intention to ‘Japa’.”
A foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju linked the new visa restrictions to broader US political trends, especially under the Trump administration.
Onunaiju argued that rather than confront the US directly, Nigeria should adopt a broader diplomatic strategy.
He said, “First, these measures are to be expected and the issue of restrictive immigration to the US was a major policy platform of the Mr. Trump campaign for the presidency. It is part of the Trump administration inverse nationalisms that can be discerned across his entire policy platforms.
“A frontal pushback will not offer much help but a deliberate policy to diversify and consolidate partnerships across the world would offset most of the effects of the US nationalist resurgence.
“Visa restrictions, punitive tariff impositions, upending traditional diplomatic practices and disruptive political mannerisms would undergird Washington international behaviours in the coming years and therefore both traditional partners like Nigeria should get ready for more of Washington twists and turns.”
Tougher entry conditions
Meanwhile, according to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied.
For those aged 45 and above, visa applicants must present a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
Travel agents said the new policy was expected to drastically reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai, a top destination for business and tourism.
“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the TOURIST VISA CATEGORY.
“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc,” the notification read.
UK introduces eVisas
The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday announced that starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, a statement from the BHC revealed.
The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.
According to the statement, “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”
