Nigerians are encountering mounting difficulties in securing visas as several countries—including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—tighten their immigration rules, citing national security, economic pressures, and concerns about visa compliance.
The new wave of restrictions, which experts say forms part of a global protectionist shift, has disproportionately affected Nigerian applicants seeking to travel for education, business, tourism, or family visits.
In the latest move, the United States government this week announced a revision to its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, slashing the validity of non-immigrant visas to just three months with a single-entry condition. Affected visa categories include B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange programmes).
The U.S. Department of State justified the decision on grounds of reciprocity and the need to align visa durations with what is offered to American citizens by the Nigerian government. But Nigerian authorities have expressed dismay, describing the move as lopsided and potentially damaging to bilateral relations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria was engaging diplomatically with Washington to seek a reversal.
“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 statement read.
“It places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travelers—students, professionals, and families—and appears misaligned with the principles of equity and mutual respect.”
The ministry urged the U.S. to reconsider the decision “in the spirit of partnership and shared global responsibility,” adding that diplomatic discussions were ongoing to secure a fair resolution.
UAE tightens screws on Nigerian travellers
In a similar move, the UAE has introduced fresh restrictions on Nigerian visa applicants, effectively barring individuals aged 18 to 45 from securing tourist visas unless they are traveling as part of a group or with family.
Additionally, applicants above 45 must now present a personal bank statement reflecting a monthly balance of at least $10,000 (or the naira equivalent) for six consecutive months.
A new directive from Dubai immigration, seen by travel agencies, states: “For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years traveling alone is not eligible for the tourist visa category.”
The UAE, which had previously suspended visa issuance to Nigerians, is now implementing even tighter conditions, citing national security and migration concerns.
Canada, UK introduce stricter screening
Canada and the United Kingdom have also ramped up immigration controls, with changes that indirectly target Nigerian applicants.
In Canada, federal authorities have moved to cap the number of international students in certain provinces, citing housing pressures and overstretched social services. New screening procedures have also made visa approvals more difficult, with many Nigerian applicants facing prolonged delays or outright denials.
Similarly, the UK has imposed tougher rules on international students, restricting the ability of postgraduate students to bring dependants, and enforcing stricter financial and documentation requirements.
Applicants seeking work and study visas now face enhanced background checks, higher proof-of-funds thresholds, and longer processing timelines.
Mounting frustration, calls for review
The spate of restrictions has caused widespread frustration among Nigerians, with students, tourists, and professionals increasingly shut out of countries that once welcomed them.
Analysts say the clampdown reflects broader global anxieties over migration, but also points to growing international concerns about Nigeria’s governance, documentation reliability, and overstay records.
Foreign missions in Nigeria have reportedly flagged high rates of non-compliance among Nigerian visa holders, especially in categories such as study and short-term visits.
Travel agents and migration experts are calling for the Nigerian government to engage more robustly with its international counterparts to repair its diplomatic image and restore confidence in its citizens’ compliance with visa terms.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will continue to pursue diplomatic channels to ensure fairer treatment for Nigerian applicants and a reversal of punitive policies.
“While every country has the sovereign right to set immigration policy, such actions must be guided by the principles of equity, fairness, and mutual benefit,” the ministry said.
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