Nigerians spent an estimated N50.7 billion on applications for United States non-immigrant visas between 2023 and 2024, even as the number of approved visas declined significantly amid stricter immigration measures and heightened scrutiny of applicants.
Data compiled from the United States Department of State shows that 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerian citizens during the two-year period. Based on the standard visa application fee of $185, applicants collectively paid approximately $37.2 million, highlighting the sustained demand for travel to the United States despite a more challenging approval environment.
The figures reveal that visa issuances fell sharply in 2024, dropping to 87,300 from 113,900 recorded in 2023. The decline represents a reduction of about 23 per cent and reflects tightening entry requirements introduced by US authorities in recent years.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that business and tourism travel continued to dominate approvals, accounting for the overwhelming majority of visas granted to Nigerians in 2024. Student visas remained among the most sought-after categories, while exchange visitor and other temporary visa classes accounted for a smaller share of total issuances.
Despite the decline, Nigeria retained its position as one of Africa’s most important travel markets for the United States. The country contributed a notable share of global non-immigrant visa issuances, underscoring the strong interest among Nigerians in international travel, education, business opportunities and family-related visits.
Industry stakeholders attribute the sustained demand to longstanding travel patterns among Nigerians, many of whom continue to pursue overseas opportunities for study, tourism, professional engagements and social events. Travel operators note that demand remains resilient even as approval rates become less predictable.
The tougher visa environment has been shaped by a series of policy adjustments introduced after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Among the changes was the restriction of most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens to single-entry permits valid for three months, while previously issued visas remained unaffected.
Additional requirements were later introduced, including mandatory disclosure of social media usernames used by applicants over the preceding five years. US authorities indicated that incomplete or inaccurate disclosures could affect visa eligibility decisions.
Further restrictions followed toward the end of 2025 when the United States expanded travel limitations affecting several countries, including Nigeria, with implementation beginning in January 2026.
Travel consultants say the stricter requirements have made obtaining a US visa increasingly difficult, particularly for first-time applicants. The development has contributed to growing uncertainty among prospective travellers and prompted some Nigerians to explore alternative destinations with perceived higher approval prospects.
The changing landscape is also influencing travel trends, with some applicants increasingly considering the United Kingdom and other international destinations as they assess their chances of securing entry permits. However, industry observers note that several countries have also tightened immigration assessments in response to broader global migration concerns.
While approval rates have declined, the latest figures demonstrate that Nigerians continue to commit substantial financial resources to pursuing US visas, reflecting the enduring appeal of the United States as a destination for education, business, tourism and family connections.
