•Says Nigeria has e-visa policy for US, many other nations’ citizens; US has declined reciprocal footing for Nigerians 

•UK launches e-visas for Nigerian study, work applicants

Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The presidency on Thursday formally reacted to news making the rounds that President Bola Tinubu stopped the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to US citizens, saying at no time did the president stop the issuance of the multiple-entry visas to US citizens.

It stated that Tinubu rather sustained the diplomatic tempo in line with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said upon assumption of office over two years ago, the Tinubu administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implements all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

Relatedly, the British High Commission (BHC) announced that from July 15, 2025, most individuals applying to enter the United Kingdom (UK) on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.

A statement by BHC revealed that, instead, successful applicants will be issued an e-visa, a secure, online record of their immigration status, stating that this change marks a major step in the UK government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

Meanwhile, the presidency reiterated that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria did not accurately reflect the situation.

It said, “The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.

“The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.

“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.

“Although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.”

While emphasising that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clearly stated the position of the Nigerian government on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians, the presidency assured that the ministry and other senior government officials “will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations”.

The presidential release stated, inter alia, “Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.

“The ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.

“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.”

The statement added, “In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments.”

The United States had on Tuesday issued a stringent visa rule against Nigeria under its latest Revised Visa Reciprocity Policy.

The US Department of State announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.

A release by the US embassy in Nigeria revealed that the action, which took immediate effect. It stated that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

According to the statement, “Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.  We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.  You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

 “U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems. These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.  The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.”

Meanwhile, according to the statement by the British High Commission, related to UK’s visa template tweak, the change applied only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025.

Applicants who applied before July 15 will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

The statement said visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being, adding that despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.

It further said once a decision was made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their e-visa.  

Speaking on the new rule, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission, Gill Lever, said, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.

“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being.”

The statement further revealed that e-visas had already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months. Customers with a UKVI account could use the View and Prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).

It advised applicants to apply online and submit application through the official website via gov.uk; and attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit passport and biometrics information.

“If visa does not require a visa vignette sticker, he can take your passport home the same day; after visa is granted, follow the instructions in his decision notification, and if advised create a UKVI account and link it to his current passport,” it further advised.

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