The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed that a new visa reciprocity policy for citizens of the United States of America be fully implemented on March 1, 2023.
According to Daily Trust, the decision was issued by, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, following the adoption of the new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the governments of Nigeria and the United States of America.
The agreements include, among other things, the reciprocity of a five-year tourist visa validity for American citizens under Section 30 of the Immigration Act of 2015 and an extension of the visa validity to three years for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America, according to a statement released on Friday by Aregbesola’s media assistant, Sola Fasure.
“Consequently, the Minister of Interior has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to start the implementation of the policy from 1st March 2023,” the statement said in part.
Recall that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), launched the new Nigeria Visa Policy in 2020.
Tourist visas are classified as Short Visit Visas (F5A). This policy is consistent with Buhari’s objective to increase cultural interchange and business between the two countries.
As part of the Bilateral Agreement, the United States of America will implement a similar approach for Nigerians seeking to visit the United States on Tourist Visas, as well as our diplomats and officials visiting the country. As a result, the United States will extend the validity of Nigerian tourist visas to five years.
