The United States government has announced a major expansion of its travel restrictions that will take effect on January 1, 2026, including Nigeria on the list of countries facing partial travel limits. This move comes as part of a wider policy aimed at tightening entry rules and addressing U.S. concerns around security, identity verification, and visa overstay rates.
Under the updated policy, the U.S. has grown the number of countries subject to travel bans or restrictions to 39 in total, with some facing full entry suspensions and others placed under partial limitations on key visa categories. Nigeria appears on the partial restriction list, which means that citizens of Nigeria — and other listed countries — will face limitations on several types of visa applications, including visitor, student, and exchange visas.
What the New Restrictions Include
-
Partial bans affect immigrant visas and nonimmigrant categories such as B-1/B-2 (visitor), F (student), M (vocational study), and J (exchange) visas for nationals of certain countries. Nigeria is among those newly added to this category under the updated policy.
-
The restrictions were expanded under a Presidential proclamation that increases the list of fully and partially restricted countries, with the aim of enhancing national security and addressing issues linked to visa overstays and screening.
-
The travel ban provisions apply only to individuals outside the U.S. who do not hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026 — meaning those already in the U.S. with valid visas may be exempt from the new entry limitations.
How This Affects Nigerian Travelers
If you are a Nigerian planning to apply for a U.S. visa from abroad after January 1, 2026:
-
You may face restrictions or limitations on several common visa types, including tourist, student, work-related, and exchange visas.
-
New visa applications filed after the effective date could be subject to stricter screening or suspension, depending on the category.
-
Valid visas issued before the policy takes effect may still allow entry — but it’s important to verify the conditions on a case-by-case basis.
Practical Advice for Applicants
-
Plan ahead: If you’re considering applying for a U.S. visa, begin your preparations early to avoid delays or restrictions once the new rules take effect.
-
Stay informed: U.S. immigration policy is evolving quickly; keeping up with updates helps you understand eligibility and requirements.
-
Legal guidance: In complex cases, seek expert advice to understand how these restrictions might impact your specific situation.
At RoutePal, we track immigration changes globally, including complex updates like this. Whether you’re aiming to study, work, visit family, or conduct business in the U.S., we can help you assess your eligibility, prepare strong applications, and explore alternative pathways where necessary.