Nigeria US Cites Security, Visa Overstay as Reasons for Nigeria Travel Restrictions

The Digest:

The United States government has cited security risks from extremist groups and high visa overstay rates as the primary reasons for placing Nigeria under new partial travel restrictions. The decision, part of an expanded security proclamation by President Donald Trump, identifies Nigeria among 15 nations newly added to the list, linking it to challenges in screening travellers from regions with terrorist activity.

Key Points:

• The US cited "substantial screening and vetting difficulties" due to Boko Haram and ISIS activities.
• Nigeria's B-1/B-2 tourist/business visa overstay rate is 5.56%.
• The overstay rate for student and exchange visas (F, M, J) is 11.90%.
• Nigeria is among 15 countries newly placed under partial travel restrictions.
• The proclamation also added five nations, including Burkina Faso and Mali, to the full restrictions list.
• Certain exemptions exist for lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and athletes.
• The policy aims to strengthen national security and public safety.

The new restrictions cast a long shadow, framing global mobility not just as a matter of diplomacy, but as a calculus of risk and compliance, where national identity becomes a key weighed against security data.