The United States government has announced a significant change to its visa policy, cutting the validity and entry terms for non-immigrant visa applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. This development, according to the US Department of State, is part of a broader global reciprocity realignment aimed at ensuring parity in visa arrangements between the US and other countries.
Under the new policy, nearly all non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of the four countries will now be:
- Single-entry only
- Valid for just three months
This marks a sharp departure from previous terms, which often allowed multiple entries over two years or more.
Nigeria Responds: Denies Reciprocal Visa Claims
Reacting to the policy shift, Nigeria refuted claims that it only offers US citizens three-month single-entry visas. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that Nigerians still grant American nationals five-year multiple-entry visas.
“The US government’s claim of reciprocity does not reflect the actual visa arrangement Nigeria offers to Americans,” Onanuga noted.
Similarly, Ghana’s government released a statement affirming it had granted over 28,500 multiple-entry visas to US citizens in 2025 alone. It also expressed hope for a quick resolution and solidarity with affected Ghanaian citizens.
Governments of Ethiopia and Cameroon have not officially responded, though reports confirm that US citizens are granted up to 90-day visas in Ethiopia and one-year visas in Cameroon.
Also Read: Chevening Scholarships 2026/2027: UK Government Announces Opening Date
Diplomatic, Cultural, and Educational Impacts
The Nigerian government has expressed concern that the new visa restriction could negatively impact longstanding cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations. According to the 2024 Open Doors report, Nigeria is the largest source of African students in the US, with a 13.5% increase in student numbers compared to 2023.
Critics and analysts are divided on the reasons behind the policy shift. While some believe it reflects a diplomatic imbalance, others view it as a response to Nigeria’s growing global alignment, particularly its closer ties with BRICS nations, such as Brazil.
Policy Experts Weigh In
Immigration lawyer Godwin Oke views the move as a textbook example of visa reciprocity under international norms. He noted:
“The US had long been giving Nigerians five-year visas, while Nigeria offered Americans much shorter terms. This decision was likely inevitable from a policy standpoint.”
However, some political observers argue that the change may go beyond reciprocity. Bashir Ahmad, an aide to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, suggested the move reflects US unease over Nigeria’s growing alignment with non-Western powers.
This new policy comes months after the US mission in Nigeria warned that visa overstays could lead to lifetime bans or even criminal charges. Though no public data confirms how many Nigerians overstay, the warning adds to the concern among many applicants.
With the continued popularity of the “Japa” movement, a local term for migration in search of better opportunities, the US remains one of the most desired destinations for young Nigerians. This recent decision may, however, impact the volume and success of future visa applications.
The State Department has said the policy remains under review and could change based on evolving diplomatic, security, and immigration standards.
