US Imposes Partial Travel Restrictions on Nigerians, Cites Security and Visa Overstay Concerns

US Announces Partial Travel Ban on Nigerian Passport Holders, Effective January 2026

The United States government has announced a partial travel ban on Nigerian passport holders, suspending entry under several major visa categories and tightening immigration procedures for Nigerians seeking to travel to the US. The restrictions were announced on December 16, 2025, through a proclamation issued by the White House, placing Nigeria among a group of countries facing enhanced entry limitations.

The new policy is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, and has already sparked concern among travellers, students, business owners, and diplomatic observers.

What the Travel Ban Entails

Under the new proclamation, Nigerian nationals will be restricted from entering the United States as immigrants or under several non-immigrant visa categories, including:

• B-1 (Business)

• B-2 (Tourism)

• B-1/B-2 (Combined business and tourism)

• F (Academic studies)

• M (Vocational and non-academic studies)

• J (Exchange visitor programmes)

In addition, the White House stated that US consular officers in Nigeria have been directed to reduce the validity period of other non-immigrant visas, where legally permitted, further tightening access for Nigerian travellers.

Why Nigeria Was Included

According to the proclamation, the US government justified Nigeria’s inclusion based on national security concerns and challenges related to applicant vetting. The document cited the presence of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates in parts of northern Nigeria, which it said complicates screening processes.

The policy also referenced visa overstay data as a key factor. The US reported Nigeria’s:

• B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate at 5.56%

• F, M, and J visa overstay rate at 11.90%

US authorities argue that these figures highlight compliance challenges and contribute to what the proclamation described as “substantial screening and vetting difficulties,” making unrestricted entry potentially “detrimental to the interests of the United States.”

Other Countries Affected

Nigeria’s inclusion forms part of a broader expansion of US travel restrictions. At least 14 other countries were placed under similar partial bans, including Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, countries such as Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Syria, and Sudan remain under full travel bans due to more severe security and compliance concerns cited by the US government.

Exemptions and Exceptions

Despite the scope of the restrictions, the proclamation outlines several key exemptions, including:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• Certain diplomatic and official visa holders

• Athletes participating in major international events

• Specific special immigrant visa categories

While these exemptions provide relief for some individuals, the policy represents a significant shift for prospective students, professionals, tourists, and first-time travellers.

A Broader Shift in US Visa Policy

The move reflects a wider trend in US immigration policy, marked by increased use of security-based travel restrictions. In June 2025, the US imposed similar measures on several countries, though Nigeria was not included at the time. The December proclamation signals a further escalation.

Policy analysts note that visa restrictions are increasingly being used as a diplomatic pressure tool, aimed at encouraging improvements in data sharing, identity management, and security cooperation. Critics, however, argue that such policies disproportionately affect ordinary citizens rather than addressing underlying governance or security challenges.

What Happens Next

The new restrictions will apply from January 1, 2026, and affect only foreign nationals outside the United States who do not already hold a valid US visa as of that date.

Prospective travellers are advised to seek updated guidance from the US Embassy in Abuja, the US Consulate in Lagos, or official US State Department channels. Immigration experts also recommend exploring waiver options, where applicable, and finalising urgent travel plans before the policy takes effect.

As the implementation date approaches, the policy is expected to remain a major topic of discussion within Nigeria’s travel, education, and business communities.