Nigerians spent over N50bn on U.S. visa applications despite falling approval rates

Nigerians spent an estimated ₦50.7 billion on United States visa applications between 2023 and 2024, even as the number of approved visas declined sharply amid tighter immigration policies and heightened scrutiny by U.S. authorities.

According to an analysis of data from the U.S. Department of State compiled by Intelpoint, a total of 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians during the two-year period.
With the standard visa application fee fixed at $185 per applicant, total spending by Nigerians amounted to approximately $37.2 million, equivalent to ₦50.7 billion at an average exchange rate of ₦1,360 to the dollar.

Visa Issuances Decline by 23%

The data showed that non-immigrant visa issuances to Nigerians fell by about 23 per cent in 2024, dropping to 87,300 from 113,900 recorded in 2023, representing a decline of 26,600 approvals.

Business and tourism-related travel remained the dominant category, with B1/B2 visas accounting for 83 per cent of all visas issued in 2024. Student visas (F1) represented about seven per cent, while exchange visitor visas (J1) and other temporary categories made up the balance.
Despite the decline, Nigeria remained one of the United States’ key markets, accounting for roughly 0.8 per cent of global non-immigrant visa issuances during the year.

Tougher U.S. Immigration Policies Impact Approvals

The decline coincides with a series of immigration policy changes implemented following the return of President Donald Trump to the White House in January 2025.

In July 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians would be limited to single-entry permits valid for three months, although previously issued visas were exempt from the new rule.

A month later, applicants were required to disclose all social media usernames used over the previous five years on the DS-160 visa application form, with officials warning that incomplete disclosures could result in visa denials or future ineligibility.

Further restrictions were introduced in December 2025, when the U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced partial travel limitations affecting Nigeria and five other countries, effective from January 1, 2026
Travel Experts Cite Strong Demand Despite Challenges

Former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye, said Nigerians’ appetite for international travel extends beyond economic factors and reflects a deep-rooted culture of mobility.

According to her, most Nigerians who travel overseas eventually return home, contrary to widespread perceptions that many remain abroad permanently.

Akporiaye also noted that demand for U.S. travel has weakened due to operational changes and stricter visa requirements, including the concentration of consular services in Lagos and reports of visa cancellations and deportations.
Nevertheless, she maintained that Nigerians continue to travel extensively for social, educational and business purposes.

Approval Odds Become Increasingly Uncertain

An executive at Travel and Tours Limited, Maureen Chimaobi, said obtaining a U.S. visa has become significantly more difficult, particularly for first-time applicants.

She noted that many Nigerians continue to pay visa fees, secure appointments and attend interviews, only to face increasing levels of rejection despite fulfilling procedural requirements.
According to her, the tougher visa environment has encouraged many prospective travellers to explore alternative destinations where approval prospects are perceived to be stronger.

Shift Towards Alternative Destinations

Travel operators say the United Kingdom remains one of the preferred destinations for Nigerians, although British authorities have also tightened their screening processes in recent months.

Similarly, France and other Schengen countries, which were previously considered relatively accessible, have become more selective, particularly regarding first-time travellers.
Industry stakeholders believe that while demand for overseas travel among Nigerians remains robust, changing immigration policies and stricter screening procedures are gradually reshaping destination preferences.

Analysts expect demand for international travel among Nigerians to remain resilient, driven by business opportunities, education and family connections abroad.

However, rising visa costs, stricter entry requirements and declining approval rates could accelerate the shift toward countries offering more favourable immigration policies and easier access for Nigerian travellers.