FG Directs NIS To Begin Implementation Of New Visa Policy For U.S. Citizens

The Federal Government of Nigeria has, through the Ministry of Interior, directed the full implementation of a new visa reciprocity policy for United States of America citizens.

The policy, according to a directive issued to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), will launch into full implementation from 1st March 2023.

Naija News reports that the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday, February 24.

He said the directive became paramount following the approval of implementing the new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the governments of Nigeria and the United States of America.

Agreements between the two countries, amongst others, include the reciprocity of five-year tourist visa validity for American citizens pursuant to Section 30 of the Immigration Act, 2015; and the extension of visa validity to three years for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America.

“Consequently, the Minister of Interior has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to start the implementation of the policy from 1st March 2023,” the statement made available to newsmen today by Aregbesola’s media aide, Sola Fasure, read.

Naija News recall that President Muhammadu Buhari launched the new Nigeria Visa Policy (NPV) in 2020, which amongst other things, promotes tourism.

Tourist Visa falls under the Short Visit Visa (F5A) category. This policy is in line with Buhari’s desire to boost cultural exchange and business between both nations.

As part of the Bilateral Agreement, the United States of America will implement a similar policy for Nigerians wishing to travel on Tourist Visas to the United States and for our diplomats and officials visiting the country. The United State will thus extend Tourist Visa Validity for Nigerian citizens to five years.