A new travel reality has arrived for Nigerian citizens. On December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an expansive presidential proclamation that places partial travel restrictions on Nigeria, effective January 1, 2026.
While not a total ban, these measures introduce significant hurdles for students, tourists, and families. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know to navigate these changes.
The New Policy: Security and "Overstay" Metrics
The administration’s latest move adds Nigeria to a list of 39 countries facing heightened scrutiny. The stated goal is to "strengthen national security" by restricting entry from nations with perceived deficiencies in screening and vetting.
“It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who... exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” — White House Proclamation
A primary justification cited for Nigeria’s inclusion is the high non-immigrant visa overstay rate. Federal data reportedly shows that more than 1 in 10 Nigerian citizens on F (student), J (exchange), or M (vocational) visas overstay their authorized period.
Who is Affected? (The Restricted Categories)
The partial restrictions specifically target the issuance of new visas in the following categories:
Student & Exchange Visas (F, M, and J): New applicants from Nigeria will face a near-total suspension of these visas starting in 2026.
Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2): Business and tourist visa applications will undergo much stricter vetting, with higher denial risks for first-time applicants.
Immigrant Visas: Most pathways for permanent residency (Green Cards) are suspended under this proclamation, unless a specific waiver is granted.
Exemptions and Protections
Not everyone is barred. The proclamation outlines several groups that remain exempt from these entry limitations:
| Category | Status | Notes |
| Current Visa Holders | Exempt | Visas valid on or before Jan 1, 2026, remain active. |
| Green Card Holders | Exempt | Lawful Permanent Residents are not affected. |
| Diplomats | Exempt | Official government travel continues normally. |
| Athletes | Exempt | Specific categories for international competition are maintained. |
Important Warning: Some reports suggest that current student visa holders who leave the U.S. after January 1, 2026, may face difficulties re-entering or may no longer be considered exempt. Always consult with your International Student Office before traveling.
Impact on the "African Pipeline"
Nigeria is part of a broader trend where Africa has been hit hardest by these restrictions. Four African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan—face complete bans, while others like Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are under partial restrictions.
For Nigerians, this shift may lead to a pivot toward alternative educational and professional hubs such as the UK, Canada, or Australia, as the U.S. visa process becomes increasingly unpredictable.
AMERICA FIRST SECURITY 🇺🇸
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 16, 2025
President Donald J. Trump just signed a new Proclamation, STRENGTHENING our borders & national security with data-driven restrictions on high-risk countries with severe deficiencies in screening & vetting. pic.twitter.com/DZmqpkerKb
