The Federal Government of Nigeria is voicing strong concerns after a wave of tighter visa policies by the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom, signaling a growing strain in diplomatic and immigration relations.
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On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State announced a major change in its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens. Effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians including B1/B2 (tourist and business), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas will be valid for only three months and limited to a single entry. This move marks a significant shift from previous policies that offered longer-term, multiple-entry visas.
The Nigerian government quickly responded, describing the decision as “disproportionate” and out of sync with the spirit of mutual respect between the two nations. In a statement signed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Francisca Omayuli, the government stressed that the revised policy could negatively affect students, professionals, and families with strong ties to the U.S., and called for a reconsideration rooted in fairness and long-standing bilateral cooperation.
“While we acknowledge the sovereign right of all nations to determine their immigration policies,” the ministry said, “this particular decision appears inconsistent with the principles of equity and reciprocity that have guided Nigeria U.S. relations for decades.”
Diplomatic conversations are ongoing. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo met with U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. in Abuja, where both sides discussed the implications of the new visa procedures and explored areas of cooperation. According to Tunji-Ojo, the meeting was constructive, addressing issues such as visa overstays, secure travel documents, and bilateral information-sharing on matters of security. Both countries pledged to maintain strong relations while enforcing visa standards.
Meanwhile, the UAE has also introduced stringent measures targeting Nigerian travelers. According to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless traveling with companions. Those aged 45 and older must now present a personal six-month bank statement showing a monthly balance of at least $10,000. Transit visas for Nigerian nationals have also been suspended altogether, drastically limiting access to one of the most frequented travel destinations for Nigerians.
These restrictions are likely to have a chilling effect on travel and tourism between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly given the strong economic and personal ties many Nigerians maintain with Dubai.
Not to be left out, the British High Commission in Abuja announced that, beginning July 15, 2025, successful applicants for UK study and work visas will start receiving digital eVisas instead of traditional visa stickers (vignettes) in their passports. While the transition to a digital immigration system is meant to streamline processes, the change adds another layer of complexity for Nigerian travelers especially those unfamiliar with online immigration platforms.
Reacting to the unfolding developments, opposition voices in Nigeria have pointed fingers at the Federal Government, blaming the country’s internal struggles—economic instability, governance challenges, and rising emigration—for what they describe as “growing international isolation.” Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi of the Labour Party called the new restrictions a reflection of global frustration with Nigeria’s inability to address its internal problems, citing the ongoing “Japa” wave of mass emigration as a symptom of poor leadership.
Ladipo Johnson of the New Nigeria Peoples Party also weighed in, describing the situation as a wake-up call for the Tinubu administration. He criticized the government’s delay in appointing ambassadors and its failure to effectively communicate foreign policy goals to international partners. “This is about perception,” Johnson said. “The world is watching, and they are acting accordingly.”
On the global stage, some analysts see these measures as part of a broader trend, particularly with the anticipated return of Trump-era nationalism in the U.S. Charles Onunaiju, a foreign affairs expert, argued that Nigeria should not confront these decisions head-on but instead work to diversify its global partnerships and reduce dependency on traditional allies. “What we are seeing is Washington’s evolving posture towards immigration and diplomacy—Nigeria needs to adjust its foreign policy accordingly,” he said.
Despite the rising tensions, both the U.S. and Nigerian governments maintain that diplomatic channels remain open and that both nations remain committed to resolving the visa issues amicably. Whether these reassurances will translate into policy reversals or simply deeper diplomatic divides remains to be seen.
In the meantime, ordinary Nigerians—students, entrepreneurs, tourists, and families bear the brunt of the shifting immigration tides. For them, each new rule is more than a headline. It’s a door closed, a dream delayed, a reunion postponed.
