Nigeria added to US travel restrictions
Nigeria has been added to the expanded list of countries facing new travel restrictions by the United States, a development that will affect visa and entry rules for Nigerian citizens. The move comes after a December 16, 2025, U.S. presidential proclamation that broadened existing travel bans and imposed partial restrictions on additional nations, including Nigeria, alongside others such as Angola, Benin, Senegal and Tanzania. Under the new policy, Nigerian nationals may face partial limitations on immigrant and non-immigrant visas, affecting categories such as business, tourism, student and work travel, although full bans apply to other countries. The expanded travel restrictions are aimed at strengthening U.S. national security screening and vetting processes, with officials citing concerns about insufficient information-sharing and security challenges. The changes are set to take effect from January 1, 2026, and include exemptions for certain travellers, such as visa holders already in the United States, lawful permanent residents, diplomats and athletes travelling for major events. The U.S. government said the update reflects its efforts to tighten entry standards amid broader security and immigration policy shifts.
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