US President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025, signed a proclamation expanding entry restrictions on foreign nationals, adding Nigeria to a list of 15 countries facing partial restrictions on immigrant and certain non-immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 (business/tourism), F/M (student), and J (exchange) categories.
The White House cited “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing,” along with high visa overstay rates (5.56% for B-1/B-2 and 11.90% for F/M/J) and security concerns, including the presence of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State operating in parts of the country.
The partial measures for Nigeria—unlike full bans on countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—mean enhanced scrutiny and limitations on new visa issuances, potentially affecting tourism, business travel, education, and family visits.
Exceptions apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and cases serving U.S. national interests, with case-by-case waivers possible.
The policy builds on earlier 2025 restrictions, framing it as necessary to “prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information” and to encourage cooperation on vetting and repatriation.
For Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a major source of U.S. students and visitors, the restrictions could disrupt educational exchanges, business ties, and diaspora travel, exacerbating economic challenges amid ongoing security issues.
While not linked directly in the fact sheet to prior “genocide” claims—dismissed by President Bola Tinubu, the African Union, and ECOWAS—the timing follows heightened U.S.-Nigeria tensions over religious violence allegations, potentially straining bilateral relations despite recent security dialogues.