Between 2023 and 2024, Nigerians spent more than N50 billion on United States visa applications, despite a significant decline in approvals as Washington tightened immigration rules and increased scrutiny of applicants. An analysis of the Intelpoint report, based on US Department of State data, revealed that 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians during this period.
Massive Expenditure on Visa Fees
With a standard application fee of $185 per applicant, Nigerians spent approximately $37.2 million, equivalent to N50.7 billion at an average exchange rate of N1,360 to the dollar. This substantial outlay occurred even as visa issuances dropped sharply.
Steep Decline in Approvals
According to reports, visa issuances fell by about 23 percent, dropping to 87,300 in 2024 from 113,900 in 2023—a reduction of 26,600 visas. Comparable figures for 2025 were not available at the time of reporting.
Types of Visas Issued
Business and tourism travel dominated approvals in 2024, with B1/B2 visas accounting for 83 percent of total issuances. Student visas (F1) represented about seven percent, while exchange visitor visas (J1) and other temporary categories made up the remainder. Nigeria remained a significant source market for the United States, accounting for about 0.8 percent of global non-immigrant visa issuances in 2024.
Cultural Inclination Towards Travel
Former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, explained that Nigerians’ travel behaviour is driven by more than economic conditions. She stated that Nigerians are generally migrants who love travelling, comparing them to the Chinese of Africa. She added that most Nigerians who travel abroad return home, with fewer than 10 percent staying back permanently.
Policy Changes and Stricter Controls
The decline in visa issuances coincided with policy changes introduced after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. In July 2025, the US Department of State restricted most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry permits valid for three months. In August, applicants were required to disclose all social media usernames used over the previous five years on DS-160 forms. By December 2025, Washington expanded travel restrictions to include Nigeria and five other countries, effective January 1, 2026.
Travel Demand Across Income Levels
Akporiaye noted that Nigerians travel for various reasons, including social events such as birthdays and weddings, regardless of income level. She emphasised that ordinary Nigerians, not just the wealthy, like to explore. However, she acknowledged that demand for US travel has softened compared to other destinations, citing operational and policy-related constraints, including the consolidation of services in Lagos.
Rising Rejection Rates
Maureen Chimaobi, an executive at Travel and Tours Limited, highlighted the growing difficulty of securing US visas. She stated that getting a US visa drastically reduced last year, especially for first-time travellers or applicants, making it almost a no-go area. Applicants continue to pay visa fees, schedule appointments, and attend interviews, but approvals have become less predictable. Rejection levels remain high, particularly for individuals with limited international travel history.
Shifting Destination Choices
The tougher environment is influencing Nigerians’ travel choices. Many are turning to destinations with higher approval prospects, provided they can demonstrate financial capacity and strong documentation. Chimaobi noted that countries such as the United Kingdom still offer relatively stronger approval chances, though British authorities have also tightened assessments. France and other Schengen countries have become increasingly selective, especially toward first-time applicants. She mentioned that before now, France used to issue visas more easily, but most Schengen countries have become difficult over time, particularly for first-time travellers.
Judge Nullifies Visa Restrictions Against African Countries
In a related development, a federal judge in the United States overturned sweeping immigration processing restrictions introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration in November 2025. The ruling is seen as a major victory for immigrant support groups and labour unions. This legal decision may have implications for future visa policies affecting Nigerian applicants.
