U.S. extends visas for Nigerians for an additional five years.

Yesterday, the United States of America (USA) stated that from March 1, 2023, the duration of visitor visas for Nigerians wishing to temporarily enter the United States for business or tourism will expand from 24 months to 60 months. The U.S. Consulate General stated this in a press release.

The message also confirmed that the price of the visa fee is unchanged.

"Starting March 1, 2023, the U.S. Mission will extend the validity of visitor visas for Nigerians who wish to briefly enter the United States for business or tourism from 24 months to 60 months.

"Due to the extension of the visa's validity, Nigerians are now able to visit the United States for up to 60 months without needing to apply for a new visa. This permits them to travel there for leisure or business. Because of the longer visa validity, the current USD160 application price will not increase.

A number of steps have been done by the US to shorten Nigeria's wait periods for visa appointments, including increasing visa validity. No-Interview Visa Renewals are still available from the U.S. Mission to those who qualify. Visa renewals without interviews can be scheduled easily.

The Federal Government issued a directive over the weekend to fully implement a new visa reciprocity program for US citizens beginning March 1. The revised Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the two governments, according to Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, have been approved for execution.

Aregbesola claims that among the agreements are the reciprocity of a five-year tourist visa validity for American citizens in accordance with Section 30 of the Immigration Act of 2015 and the extension of a three-year visa validity for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America.