December 17, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
The United States government has placed Nigeria among a group of nations subject to partial travel restrictions, citing national security and public-safety concerns in a move that could affect visa issuance and entry for some Nigerian nationals beginning in January 2026. The policy was formalised through a presidential proclamation signed by President Donald J. Trump expanding existing entry limitations aimed at strengthening border controls.
Under the new restrictions, Nigeria is classified alongside other countries facing partial limitations on the admission of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States for purposes such as tourism, study, work, or family visits. These measures do not constitute a full travel ban, but they place additional scrutiny on applicants and may restrict certain visa categories.
According to the U.S. administration, the expanded travel policy is intended to protect American national security and public safety by limiting entry from countries where identity screening, information-sharing systems and vetting protocols are deemed deficient, making it difficult for U.S. authorities to fully assess potential risks posed by foreign visitors. Nigeria’s inclusion reflects concerns raised by U.S. security officials about these systemic challenges.
The restrictions are based on factors such as inadequate sharing of law-enforcement and identity data, high visa overstay rates, limited cooperation on deportations, and ongoing threats from violent extremist groups that complicate vetting and screening processes, according to U.S. government fact sheets on the policy.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department have indicated that countries placed on the partial restriction list may be removed or adjusted in the future if they demonstrate measurable improvements in security cooperation, vetting standards, and intelligence-sharing capabilities. Exemptions within the policy are available for lawful U.S. permanent residents, existing valid visa holders, diplomats, and travellers whose presence is deemed to serve U.S. national interests.
Reacting to the development, some analysts note that while the restrictions could complicate travel for Nigerians particularly students, tourists, and business travellers they stop short of a complete ban and allow continued engagement under stricter procedural conditions. Observers also emphasise that diplomatic dialogue and enhanced cooperation with U.S. agencies could lead to a reassessment of the measures over time.
The partial travel restrictions form part of a broader U.S. strategy to tighten entry standards for foreign nationals, and follow similar measures implemented earlier in 2025 under Trump’s authority to restrict entry on national security grounds. Nigeria’s inclusion reflects continuing bilateral challenges over security vetting and international information-sharing practices.