US Tightens Visa Rules After Nigeria Rejects Asylum Request

The United States has cut visa duration for Nigerians and added new fees after Nigeria reportedly refused a request to accept deported asylum seekers.

President Donald Trump’s administration made the move as part of broader immigration changes that have affected several countries in recent months.

The decision came after US officials proposed that Nigeria serve as a temporary host for asylum seekers waiting for their cases to be processed in the United States. Many of these migrants could remain in limbo for years while their legal status is determined. However, Nigeria declined the request, pushing back against the plan and stating it would not accept people who are not its citizens.

The US responded by announcing new visa restrictions for Nigerian travelers. Non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas will now only be valid for three months, and holders can enter the US just once within that period. In addition to shorter validity, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be introduced by 2026, affecting Nigerian students, tourists, business travelers, and workers. This fee is part of a wider US immigration bill signed into law by Trump on July 4.

The Nigerian government has denied claims that it triggered the restrictions by ending five-year visa issuance for US citizens. Officials explained that five-year multiple-entry visas are still available to Americans through embassy applications. What changed, they said, was the rollout of a 90-day single-entry e-visa option, designed for quicker access without embassy visits. The e-visa replaced the previously criticized visa-on-arrival system.

Tensions grew when the US cited lack of reciprocity as one of its reasons for the new policy. Nigerian authorities rejected this claim, arguing that the US itself does not offer similar e-visa options to Nigerians. They also pointed out that while Nigeria’s digital visa system is in place for several countries, the US has not offered Nigerians a simplified or longer visa process in return.

Talks between the two countries have continued, but diplomatic sources say the asylum disagreement and demands for deeper security cooperation remain major stumbling blocks. One of the sticking points is a US request for access to Nigeria’s criminal records to help track citizens living in America with past convictions. Nigeria has so far resisted that request, raising concerns over sovereignty and data security.

The US also reportedly wanted its citizens to apply online for Nigeria’s five-year visas without visiting embassies. Nigeria turned down this request as well, insisting on equal treatment, especially since Nigerians must undergo strict screening and embassy visits for US visas.

This clash over immigration comes as Trump reasserts his tough stance on borders. His administration has been pushing many nations to take back asylum seekers or serve as holding zones, much like the UK’s controversial Rwanda deal. Some African and Central American countries have already agreed to similar pacts. But Nigeria’s refusal appears to have cost it some favor in Washington.

With relations under strain, Nigeria was not invited to a recent White House meeting between Trump and selected African leaders to discuss economic ties. That absence did not go unnoticed, as it came just days after the new visa policy was announced.

As the dispute plays out, Nigerian authorities have urged the US to reconsider its position and return to a fair visa arrangement that supports partnership and cooperation. For now, Nigerians planning trips to the US must prepare for shorter stays, added costs, and stricter entry conditions.