Do Nigerian citizens need a visa for United States?
The official link goes to travel.state.gov. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
United States entry rules for Nigerian citizens.
| Verdict | Visa needed before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | B-1/B-2 visa (new issuance suspended) |
| Stay | Set by CBP officer (only for holders of a visa issued before 1 Jan 2026) |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a Nigerian passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: United States entry requirements.
The details for a Nigerian passport.
SUSPENDED FOR NEW VISAS: since 1 Jan 2026 the Proclamation of 16 Dec 2025 suspends entry of Nigerian nationals on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas and as immigrants; other nonimmigrant visas get reduced validity. Visas issued before 1 Jan 2026 are not revoked and holders can still travel. Exceptions: US green-card holders, dual nationals travelling on a non-designated passport, certain diplomatic visas, athletes for major sporting events, case-by-case waivers. Nigeria is also on the visa-bond list (bonds up to USD 20,000 now permanent). Routine visa services in Nigeria moved to Consulate General Lagos (Abuja ended them 1 Aug 2026) and press reports in Aug 2026 describe a wider pause of most nonimmigrant processing.
How long it must be valid.
Passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond your stay unless your country has an agreement with the US (the 'Six-Month Club', which covers most Visa Waiver countries); then validity for the length of stay is enough (FCDO: UK passports valid for the planned stay). ESTA travellers need an e-passport, including emergency/temporary passports.
Recent changes in United States.
- 2025-06-09 — Proclamation 10949 restricted entry of nationals of 19 countries (12 full, 7 partial). None of our 33 passports was on it.
- 2025-09-30 — ESTA fee rose from USD 21 to USD 40; a USD 24 HR-1 fee pushed the land-border I-94 to USD 30 (from USD 6); EVUS enrollment fee introduced (USD 30).
- 2025-10-01 — USD 250 visa integrity fee (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, July 2025) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026; collection rolled out unevenly post by post through 2026.
The short answers.
Do Nigerian citizens need a visa for United States?
Yes. Nigerian citizens need a visa from an embassy or visa centre before travelling to the United States.
How long can Nigerian citizens stay in United States?
Set by CBP officer (only for holders of a visa issued before 1 Jan 2026). Longer stays need a different visa.
Where do Nigerian citizens apply?
On the official site, travel.state.gov. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue United States visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.