Tinubu Administration Refutes Claims of Ending 5-Year U.S. Visa Issuance

The Presidency has debunked widespread reports alleging that Nigeria has stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens, describing them as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 10, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the government clarified that no changes have been made to the long-standing visa reciprocity agreement between Nigeria and the United States.

“The current visa policy remains guided by bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity,” the statement read.

According to Onanuga, upon taking office, President Tinubu directed all ministries to uphold international agreements and ensure Nigeria’s commitment to reciprocal diplomatic engagements. He emphasized that the Nigerian government still grants 5-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens, just as the U.S. does for Nigerian citizens.

The statement further clarified that the 90-day single-entry visa applies only to newly introduced e-visas—a category designed for tourists and business travelers seeking a faster, simplified online process that bypasses in-person embassy visits. E-visas are processed within 48 hours, replacing the previously abused visa-on-arrival system.

Onanuga noted, “This streamlined e-visa policy is part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to enhance foreign investment, trade, tourism, and ease of doing business in Nigeria. E-visas are globally recognized and implemented by many countries.”

He also pointed out that despite Nigeria’s openness with e-visas, the U.S. has yet to reciprocate for Nigerian citizens.

In response to the new U.S. State Department policy, which reduces Nigerian non-diplomatic visa validity to three months with single entry, Onanuga affirmed that Nigerian officials remain in diplomatic discussions with their U.S. counterparts to resolve the matter amicably.

“The administration remains committed to fostering mutual respect, cooperation, and fair diplomatic engagements between both nations,” he concluded.