Nigerians Spend Over ₦50 Billion on US Visas Despite Falling Approval Rates

Nigerian applicants spent more than ₦50 billion on United States non-immigrant visa applications between 2023 and 2024, even as tightening immigration policies led to a sharp drop in successful approvals.

An analysis of data from the US Department of State revealed that 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians during the two-year period. At a standard application fee of $185 per person, applicants spent an estimated $37.2 million equivalent to ₦50.7 billion at an average exchange rate of ₦1,360 to the dollar.

Despite the heavy financial investment by applicants, overall visa issuances fell by approximately 23 per cent, dropping from 113,900 in 2023 to 87,300 in 2024. Business and tourism (B1/B2) visas made up the bulk of the approvals at 83 per cent, followed by student (F1) visas at seven per cent, and exchange visitor (J1) visas.

Policy Shifts Stifle Success Rates

Travel industry experts attribute the declining approval rates to a series of stringent immigration measures implemented following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Key policy changes affecting Nigerian travelers include:

Single-Entry Restrictions: Regulations introduced in mid-2025 limited most new non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry permits valid for only three months.

Social Media Scrutiny: Applicants must now disclose all social media handles used over the previous five years, with omissions serving as grounds for immediate denial.

Consolidation of Services: The US Embassy scaled back operations in Abuja, consolidating primary visa processing services in Lagos, which has complicated access for applicants from northern Nigeria.

Travel Restrictions:Additional travel limitations were expanded to encompass Nigeria and five other nations at the start of 2026.

Shifting Passenger Behavior

Industry stakeholders note that despite the increased hurdles, the high volume of applications highlights a strong cultural inclination toward international mobility rather than an outright desire to emigrate permanently. Analysts report that the vast majority of traveling Nigerians return home after temporary stays for business, schooling, or social events.

However, the unpredictability of US approvals especially for first-time applicants is beginning to redirect traffic. Travel agencies report that Nigerian travelers are increasingly shifting their focus toward destinations with more predictable visa pathways, such as the United Kingdom and selective Schengen zone nations, provided applicants can demonstrate robust financial backing and documentation.