Nigerians spent N50bn on US visas between 2023 and 2024 despite falling approvals amid tighter immigration controls

Nigerians spent more than N50bn on United States visa applications between 2023 and 2024 despite a significant decline in approvals caused by stricter immigration controls and increased scrutiny of applicants.

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An analysis of an Intelpoint report using data from the US Department of State showed that 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians during the period.

With the standard application fee set at $185 per applicant, Nigerians spent about $37.2m, estimated at N50.7bn based on an average exchange rate of N1,360 to the dollar.

The data showed that visa issuances dropped by about 23 per cent, declining from 113,900 approvals in 2023 to 87,300 in 2024. The reduction represented 26,600 fewer visas issued.

The decline came as the United States strengthened its immigration screening process and introduced new requirements affecting Nigerian travellers.

Business and tourism remained the leading categories among approved applications in 2024, with B1/B2 visas accounting for 83 per cent of total issuances.

Student visas under the F1 category represented about seven per cent, while exchange visitor visas and other temporary categories made up the remainder.

Nigeria remained an important source market for the United States, accounting for about 0.8 per cent of global non-immigrant visa issuances in 2024.

Former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, said Nigerians’ interest in international travel extends beyond economic conditions.

“People would say it’s because of the economy, but I share a different view. Nigerians are generally migrants; they love travelling,” Akporiaye told The PUNCH.

Akporiaye explained that many Nigerians who travel abroad return home, adding that public perception often exaggerates the number of people who remain overseas permanently.

She noted that travel demand cuts across different income groups, with Nigerians travelling for education, business, celebrations and personal experiences.

“Nigerians like to explore. We travel for birthdays, weddings and other ceremonies,” Akporiaye said.

The tougher visa environment followed policy changes introduced after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, leading to further restrictions on some categories of travellers.

In July 2025, the US Department of State announced that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens would be restricted to single-entry permits valid for three months.

Applicants were also required to disclose social media usernames used over the previous five years on DS-160 forms from August 2025, with warnings that incomplete information could affect visa decisions.

Akporiaye said operational changes, including adjustments around US Embassy services in Abuja, had also contributed to reduced demand.

“There are stories about visas being cancelled or Nigerians getting deported, and that makes people a bit sceptical. But other destinations are still booming,” she added.

A travel executive at Travel and Tours Limited, Maureen Chimaobi, said securing a US visa had become increasingly challenging, especially for first-time applicants.

“Last year, getting a US visa drastically reduced, especially if you are a first-time traveller or first-time applicant. It’s almost a no-go area,” Chimaobi said.

She explained that many applicants continue to pay fees, attend interviews and complete required processes, but approval outcomes have become less predictable.

The development has encouraged more Nigerians to consider destinations where visa approvals appear more accessible, depending on applicants’ financial capacity and documentation.

Chimaobi identified the United Kingdom and some other destinations as alternatives for travellers, although she noted that several countries had also tightened assessment procedures.