- Immigration lawyer, Ayeni Olanike has warned that Nigerias exclusion from the 2025 Visa Waiver Program affects travel and diplomacy
- In an exclusive chat with TheTalk.NG, she noted that commentators suggest the exclusion stems from historical visa compliance concerns
- The Lagos-based lawyer who emphasised that Nigerians must navigate complex visa processes advocated for future US policy changes
Lawyer calls for urgent diplomatic talks after Nigeria is left out of the US Visa Waiver Program. Photo credit: @TheOfficialRoc @Soy_502Source: Twitter”This exclusion has dire implications for Nigerian citizens, our bilateral relationship with the United States, and the broader travel landscape between both countries,” she said. “Some commentators suggest that this decision might be linked to a perception that African countries have historically faced challenges with visa compliance, citing, for example, past issues involving Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone when it came to accepting deported nationals. However, in recent years, there has been a notable increase in compliance among Nigerian travelers, with many individuals entering and exiting the United States legally and adhering to immigration regulations, she said. Economic and diplomatic consequences “Nigerias absence from the 2025 Visa Waiver Program is both unfortunate and disheartening for many Nigerians who wish to travel to the United States for business, tourism, or cultural exchange. Under the VWP, eligible countries citizens can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, thereby simplifying travel, reducing administrative burdens, and strengthening bilateral ties. By not being on this list, Nigerian citizens must continue to undergo the often lengthy and expensive visa application process,” she added. “From a business standpoint, potential delays in obtaining a visa may cause Nigerians to miss critical meetings, negotiations, or conferences in the United States. Tourists, on the other hand, may find the additional time, cost, and effort associated with visa processing a deterrent, potentially impacting travel choices and cultural exchange. On a broader scale, limited mobility can stifle academic collaborations and people-to-people interactions, thereby affecting diplomatic relations and mutual understanding between Nigeria and the United States.” As Nigeria misses the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, Lawyer Olanike urges policy changes to ease travel restrictions. Photo credit: @realFFKSource: TwitterAvailable visa options for Nigerians”Nigerians do have several avenues to legally travel to the United States. The B-1 visa is suitable for business activities such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or engaging in consultations. Meanwhile, the B-2 visa covers tourism, visits to family, and certain medical-related travel. Both B-1 and B-2 visas fall under the non-immigrant category, meaning they allow only temporary stays.”These visas offer considerable benefits, enabling legitimate travel for work or leisure. However, the application process can be challenging. Applicants must typically demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria, proving that they have no intention of overstaying their authorized period of admission. Scheduling interviews at the US Embassy may be difficult, and the risk of denial remains if documentation is insufficient or if an applicant fails to convincingly establish ties to their home country. Additionally, the visa application fee is non-refundable, placing a financial burden on applicants regardless of the outcome.”A call for diplomatic engagement “What it does underscore is the importance of being fully prepared for the visa application process, including gathering the necessary documentation and understanding the legal requirements. It is advisable for prospective travelers to seek professional guidance from immigration attorneys who have extensive knowledge of US visa procedures and can help navigate the system effectively.” In doing so, the government might consider pursuing bilateral agreements that leverage Nigerias abundant natural resourcesparticularly minerals that could be of strategic interest to the United States. By forging such partnerships, both nations stand to benefit from strengthened travel and economic ties, as well as deeper cultural and educational exchanges.””In the meantime, Nigerians can continue to explore existing visa options, remaining mindful that thorough preparation and adherence to immigration requirements are key to a successful application.”US embassy in Nigeria launches new visa application platform
