3-Month Single-Entry Visa’ll Affect Partnership, Cooperation, FG Tells US

The federal government has urged the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.

The call is contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.

The government expressed concern over the U.S. decision amidst partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities between both countries.

“The government’s attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the U.S. 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 a single entry.

“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 reciprocity, equity and mutual respect principles that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.”

Nigeria noted that the restriction placed disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

“Nigeria respectfully urges the U.S. to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities, while acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies,” the government said.

The government further gave the assistance that diplomatic engagements were ongoing and that the ministry would remain committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.

The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity was a global standard that undergoes regular review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes in permitted entries and validity duration. NAN

UAE, UK, Canada Introduce New Plans, E-visa

The British High Commission in Abuja has announced a significant change to the UK’s visa application process for Nigerians applying for study or work visas.

A few days after the United States of America (USA) halted the issuance of multiple-entry visas to some categories of Nigerian travellers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also amended its visa policy for Nigerians.

Starting July 15, 2025, most successful applicants in these categories will receive digital eVisas instead of the traditional physical visa stickers (vignettes) in their passports.

This new policy applies only to applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025.

Those who apply before this date will continue with the current process, which involves submitting passports at Visa Application Centres and receiving physical visa stickers.

The move is part of the UK government’s effort to transition to a fully digital immigration system.

However, the British High Commission clarified that visit visa applications and dependents (such as spouses or children) of principal study and work visa applicants will still receive physical vignette stickers.

Despite the shift to digital visas, all applicants must attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).

Once a decision is made, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will email the applicant with the outcome and instructions on creating and linking a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Gill Atkinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, stated that this change aims to make the UK visa process faster, more secure, and more convenient for Nigerian students, professionals, and families.

She also noted that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for those granted leave for over six months. UKVI account holders can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties like employers or landlords.

 

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must apply online via the UK government website (gov.uk), attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics, take their passport home the same day if no vignette is required, and follow the instructions in the visa decision email to set up and link a UKVI account.

Canada Increases Priority Entry Proof  Funds For Nigerians, Others

 

A few days after the United States of America (USA) halted the issuance of multiple-entry visas to some categories of Nigerian travellers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also amended its visa policy for Nigerians.

This restriction comes 10 months after the UAE amended its visa policy for Nigerians, further restricting its citizens from travelling to the Asian country.

LEADERSHIP reports that travel agencies had indicated on Wednesday that the UAE had banned transit visas for Nigerians.

According to our source, the UAE government communicated this new directive to travel agencies on Tuesday.

According to the government, Nigerian applicants aged 18 to 46 travelling alone were not eligible for the tourism visa category. An applicant who is 45 years and above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent.

Also, on the same Tuesday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria updated its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.

According to the mission, effective Tuesday, July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-official visas for Nigerian citizens will be single-entry with a validity of only three months.

However, visas issued before July 8, 2025, were said to be unchanged.

A travel ambassador, Ikechi Uko, said the U.S. visa change for Nigerians was a good development.

In his comment, Uko said that this may compel the Nigerian government to “work on its outdated visa policy.”

He insisted that visa approval is reciprocal, lamenting that Nigeria only reciprocates on visa fees, not access or duration.

He added: “The last time, Trump (Donald Trump) got us to drop the extra visa fees. This time, he has hit us harder. Now, a three-month visa will make Nigeria sit up.

“Our visa policy is not modern—multiple entry visas, long-term visas and airport visa-on-arrival to countries that offer Nigeria the same.

Ghana secures a no-visit visa agreement with Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco. We need to do better. Morocco, Kenya and Qatar have reformed recently to receive more visitors.”

In a major development expected to reduce traffic from Nigeria to Dubai, the UAE’s foremost destination for businesses and tourism, any Nigerian aged between 18 and 45 is also restricted from getting tourist visas unless accompanied.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Government has increased the minimum financial requirement for Nigerians and other immigrants applying through the Express Entry system to N17 million.

According to a recent update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on its website, visa applicants may need to update their proof of funds in their Express Entry profile no later than 28 July 2025 to stay eligible.

The new rates took effect on 7 July. The IRCC notes that the numbers are updated yearly based on 50 per cent of the low-income cut-off totals.

By the new rates, single applicants must show proof of access to at least CAD 15,263 (about N17 million), up from the previous CAD 14,690.

The required amount has risen to CAD 19,001 (around N21.2 million) for a two-person household.

“Proof of funds shows us you have enough money to settle in Canada. If we invite you to apply, you must give written proof that you have this money.

“The amount of money you need to support your family is based on the size of your family. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application,” a statement on the website notes.

It also noted that visa applicants must submit official letters from their financial institutions, printed on letterhead, confirming account details.

“You must prove to us that you can legally access the money here when you arrive. For example, you can’t use equity on real property as proof of settlement funds. You can’t borrow this money from another person.

How US Citizens Obtain Nigerian Visa

According to the Nigerian Immigration Service, “U.S. citizens have two main options for obtaining a Nigerian visa as of 2025

US citizens can do that through the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate (Traditional Method). This is the conventional route, and it is still widely used. There are steps for this.

Steps:

 

The application is online, and applicants are expected to visit the Nigerian Immigration Service Visa Portal to start their application; complete the application form, fill out the visa application and upload necessary documents (passport copy, invitation letter, travel itinerary, etc.).

The next step is to pay the visa fee, which is done online. The fees vary based on the visa type (tourist, business, etc.)

The next step is to schedule an interview, which comes after applicants have submitted the form and made payment. They can get an appointment at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or consulates in New York, Atlanta, or Los Angeles.

At the Visa Interview, prospective applicants must bring hard copies of their application, payment receipt, and documents. Processing and issuance of visa typically takes a few days to two weeks.

The second main channel for US citizens to obtain a Nigerian visa is through the New Nigerian E-Visa System (introduced in 2025).

The Nigerian Federal Government launched an E-Visa platform to simplify visa acquisition for travellers, including U.S. citizens.

Key Features include an online-only process, no need to visit the embassy, and a quick turnaround (48–72 hours). Steps to Use the E-Visa Platform:

For more information, applicants are expected to visit the Nigeria Immigration E-Visa Website: https://visa.immigration.gov.ng and fill out an application. Then, they can select the visa category (e.g., tourism, business) and input travel and personal details.

Upload Documents: Passport (valid for at least 6 months) Travel itinerary or invitation letter (if applicable) Passport photograph and online payment can then secured them payment gateway accepts cards from the U.S. Applicants can receive visa by email and once approved, a digital visa is emailed, which should be printed and carried to show upon arrival.

……At the Port of Entry

Whether you get your visa through the embassy or via e-visa, immigration officers will verify your documents at Nigerian airports or land borders. If using the E-Visa, make sure you: Carry a printout of the visa approval and show proof of accommodation and return ticket

……Additional Notes:

Visa-on-Arrival also exists for some U.S. travellers (mostly business), but pre-approval is still required via the Nigerian Immigration Service portal.

According to the Immigration, the E-Visa is ideal for tourists, conference attendees, and short-term visitors. The Embassy route is still recommended for longer-stay visas, such as student or work permits.