Nigerians spent more than ₦50 billion on United States visa applications between 2023 and 2024, even as visa approvals declined sharply amid stricter immigration policies and heightened scrutiny by American authorities.
According to an analysis by Intel point based on data from the US Department of State, 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians over the two-year period. With the standard visa application fee fixed at $185, applicants spent approximately $37.2 million, equivalent to about ₦50.7 billion using an average exchange rate of ₦1,360 to the dollar.
The figures revealed a significant decline in approvals. Visa issuances dropped by about 23 per cent, falling from 113,900 in 2023 to 87,300 in 2024, representing 26,600 fewer visas. Comparable data for 2025 was unavailable at the time of filing this report.
Business and tourism trips accounted for the bulk of successful applications in 2024, with B1/B2 visas making up 83 per cent of approvals. Student visas (F1) represented around seven per cent, while exchange visitor visas (J1) and other temporary categories made up the remaining share.
Despite the decline, Nigeria remained an important 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, attributed Nigerians’ strong demand for international travel to cultural factors rather than economic conditions.
“People would say it’s because of the economy, but I share a different view. Nigerians are generally migrants; they love travelling. We are like the Chinese of Africa,” she said.
Akporiaye maintained that the majority of Nigerians who travel abroad eventually return home, arguing that the number of those who remain overseas permanently is relatively small.
“There is so much noise about Nigerians staying back. The ones who travel and return are far more than those who stay back. It’s not up to 10 per cent that don’t return,” she added.
The decline in approvals coincided with policy changes introduced following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, which ushered in tighter requirements for Nigerian applicants.
In July 2025, the US Department of State announced that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians would be restricted to single-entry permits valid for three months, although previously issued visas were not affected.
A month later, applicants were required to disclose all social media usernames used within the preceding five years on their DS-160 forms. Authorities warned that failure to provide accurate information could result in visa denial or ineligibility.
Akporiaye noted that travel demand cuts across all social classes, with many Nigerians travelling for weddings, birthdays and other social engagements.
“Nigerians like to explore. We travel for birthdays, weddings and ceremonies. I’m not talking about people like Dangote or Otedola, but ordinary Nigerians you don’t even know,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that demand for travel to the United States had weakened compared to other destinations because of operational and policy-related challenges.
The demand has reduced for some destinations like the US, and it’s becoming worse now. Conditional requirements and operational changes at the US Embassy in Abuja have made access more difficult, including the consolidation of services in Lagos,” she explained.
“There are stories about visas being cancelled or Nigerians getting deported, and that makes people a bit sceptical. But other destinations are still booming.
Further restrictions came in December 2025 when the US Mission in Nigeria announced the expansion of travel limitations to Nigeria and five other countries, with the measures taking effect from January 1, 2026.
An executive with Travel and Tours Limited, Maureen Chimaobi, said obtaining a US visa has become increasingly difficult, 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,” she said.
According to her, applicants continue to pay visa fees, secure appointments and attend interviews, only to face unpredictable outcomes.
“You pay your visa fee, book your appointment and go for submission. Most of the time, they don’t give it,” she stated.
Chimaobi observed that rejection rates have remained high, particularly among individuals with little or no international travel history.
The changing landscape has also prompted many Nigerians to consider alternative destinations where visa approval prospects are perceived to be higher, provided applicants have strong financial records and proper documentation.
“I think most countries still offer a 70 to 80 per cent chance of getting a visa, depending on the quality of your documents and your financial status,” she said.
She identified the United Kingdom as one of the destinations with relatively stronger approval prospects, though she cautioned that British authorities have also become stricter in recent months.
She added that France and several countries within the Schengen zone, once considered easier options for Nigerian travelers, have become increasingly selective.
Before now, France used to issue visas more easily, but most Schengen countries have become difficult over time, particularly for first-time travelers, Chimaobi said.
