FG directs implementation of new visa policy for US citizens

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the full implementation of a new visa reciprocity policy for citizens of the United States of America with effect from March 1.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, gave the directive following the approval for the implementation of the new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the governments of Nigeria and the United States of America.

According to a statement yesterday by Aregbesola’s media aide, Sola Fasure, the agreement include the reciprocity of a five-year tourist visa validity for American citizens, pursuant to section 30 of the Immigration Act, 2015 and an extension of visa validity to three years for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America.

Part of the statement reads, “Consequently, the minister directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to start the implementation of the policy from March 1, 2023.”

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari launched the new Nigeria Visa Policy (NPV) in 2020, which, amongst other things, promote tourism.

Tourist visa falls under the Short Visit Visa (F5A) category. This policy is in line with Buhari’s desire to boost cultural exchange and business between both countries.

As part of the bilateral agreement, the United States of America will implement a similar policy for Nigerians wishing to travel on tourist visas to the United States and for diplomats and officials visiting the country. The United State will thus extend tourist visa validity for Nigerian citizens to five years.