Between 2023 and 2024, Nigerians spent more than N50 billion on US visa applications, despite a steep drop in approvals as Washington tightened immigration regulations and increased screening for applicants. 201,200 non-immigrant visas were granted to Nigerians between 2023 and 2024, according to a study of the Intelpoint report using data from the US Department of State. Nigerians spent about $37.2 million, or N50.7 billion at an average conversion rate of N1,360 per dollar, on a normal application fee of $185 per applicant.
The number of visas issued decreased by around 23%, from 113,900 in 2023 to 87,300 in 2024, a decrease of 26,600 visas.
Approvals for business and tourism travel accounted for 83% of all issuances in 2024, with student visas (F1) making up around 7%. The remainder consisted of exchange visitor visas (J1) and other transitory types.
According to the data, the most populous country in Africa continued to be a major source market for the United States, accounting for roughly 0.8% of all non-immigrant visa issuances worldwide in 2024.
According to Susan Akporiaye, a former president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Nigerians' travel habits are influenced by factors other than economic circumstances, pointing out a strong cultural propensity for mobility.
I disagree with those who claim that the economy is to blame. Most Nigerians are immigrants who enjoy traveling.
Only a small percentage of Nigerians who travel outside stay there permanently, according to the executive. "There's a lot of talk about Nigerians staying back. There are significantly more people who travel and return than those who remain in one place. The percentage of people who don't return is not as high as 10%, she said.
Following Donald Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, a number of policy changes were implemented, gradually tightening conditions for Nigerian applicants, which coincided with the drop in visa issuances.
The US Department of State declared in July 2025 that the majority of non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas granted to Nigerian nationals would be limited to three-month single-entry permits; current visas would remain unaltered.
Officials warned applicants in August that failing to declare all social media identities used during the preceding five years on DS-160 forms could result in a visa refusal or ineligibility.
Akporiaye further pointed out that the desire for travel varies depending on one's income, from wealthy people to regular people attending social gatherings. "Nigerians enjoy traveling. For occasions like weddings and birthdays, we travel. I'm referring to regular Nigerians you don't even know, not individuals like Dangote or Otedola," she remarked.
However, citing operational and policy-related limitations, the expert noted that demand for travel to the US has decreased in comparison to other locations.
"Some locations, including the US, have seen a decline in demand, which is currently getting worse.
Access has become more challenging due to operational changes and conditional requirements at the US Embassy in Abuja, including the consolidation of services in Lagos, she said.
People are a little skeptical because of reports of Nigerians being deported or having their visas revoked. However, other travel destinations continue to flourish.
In December 2025, the US Mission in Nigeria reported that Washington had tightened travel restrictions to include partial prohibitions on Nigeria and five other nations, with effect from January 1, 2026.
According to Maureen Chimaobi, an executive at Travel & Tours Limited, obtaining a US visa has grown more challenging over the past year, with many first-time applicants facing terrible odds despite fulfilling all the requirements.
Obtaining a US visa significantly decreased last year, particularly for first-time travelers and applicants. Chimaobi informed our journalist, "It's practically a no-go area."
She pointed out that while applicants still make appointments, pay visa fees, and show up for interviews, approvals are now far less certain. "You schedule your appointment, pay the visa fee, and proceed with submission. The agent stated, "They don't give it most of the time."
Despite the continued high demand for international travel, the pattern shows that travel agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about the lowering acceptance rates for Nigerian applicants. According to Chimaobi, rejection rates have stayed high over the review period, especially for people with little experience traveling abroad.
Destination decisions are also being impacted by the harsher environment. More Nigerians are migrating to nations where obtaining a visa is seen to be easier, as long as applicants can show they have enough money and give solid proof.
According to Chimaobi, "the majority of countries still offer a 70 to 80 percent chance of getting a visa, depending on the quality of your documents and your financial status."
Although she warned that British authorities have also tightened their evaluation procedures in recent months, she listed the UK as one of the locations with comparatively better approval prospects.
Once thought to be more accessible to Nigerian tourists, France and other Schengen nations are now more picky, particularly when it comes to first-time applicants, she continued.
"France used to issue visas more easily, but most Schengen countries have become difficult over time, especially for first-time travelers," Chimaobi stated.
