Travel between Nigeria and the United States is entering a new phase after both countries announced separate changes to their visa systems, altering how visas are issued and processed for travellers.
The U.S. has tightened the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens, while Nigeria has overhauled how American-based applicants obtain Nigerian visas by ending its long-running outsourced application arrangement.
Although the two decisions are unrelated, together they represent one of the most significant shifts in U.S.-Nigeria travel procedures in recent years, affecting tourists, business travellers, students and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
U.S. shortens visa validity for Nigerians
The U.S. Department of State announced that, effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry visas valid for three months.
