The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the full implementation of a new visa reciprocity policy for citizens of the United States of America, which will take effect from March 1, 2023.
The new policy, which was approved through the Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the two governments, seeks to promote tourism and boost cultural exchange and business between both nations, News About Nigeria reports.
The new policy will enable American citizens to enjoy a five-year tourist visa validity pursuant to Section 30 of the Immigration Act, 2015. In addition, diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America will enjoy an extension of visa validity to three years. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been directed to start the implementation of the policy from March 1, 2023.
As part of the Bilateral Agreement, the United States of America will also implement a similar policy for Nigerians wishing to travel on tourist visas to the United States and for Nigerian diplomats and officials visiting the country. The United States will extend tourist visa validity for Nigerian citizens to five years.
This new policy is in line with the new Nigeria Visa Policy launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, which aims to enhance the country’s economy by attracting foreign investment and boosting tourism.
The policy also seeks to create an enabling environment for business and improve the country’s security by ensuring that only genuine visitors are allowed into the country.
The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, announced the implementation of the new policy and also provided security guidelines for the upcoming elections in the country.
He called on all registered voters in Nigeria to come out on Saturday, February 25, 2023, to exercise their franchise and promised a safe and secure environment before, during, and after the elections.
The Minister also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency or on the N-Alert application online.
