Nigerians Face Stricter Visa Regimes from US, UAE, Canada as Major Nations Tighten Immigration Controls

Nigerians are contending with increasingly stringent visa requirements from key international destinations, including the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Canada, marking a significant shift in global immigration policies impacting travel, business, and educational opportunities. These new hurdles, largely effective in July 2025, reflect a global trend towards tighter border controls and more rigorous vetting.

The United States Department of State, effective July 8, 2025, has revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens. Most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, including categories for business (B1/B2), students (F), and exchange visitors (J), will now be valid for only three months and restricted to a single entry. This change, which the US attributes to “security benchmarks” and “overstay management,” has drawn concern from the Nigerian government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged the US to reconsider, citing the longstanding cordial relations and the disproportionate burden placed on legitimate Nigerian travellers.

Adding to the challenges, new directives from Dubai immigration (UAE), also effective July 8, 2025, have significantly restricted travel. Nigerians aged 18 to 45 are now ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied by family or a group. Furthermore, applicants aged 45 and above must demonstrate a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) in their personal bank accounts over a six-month period. In a notable escalation, the UAE has also imposed a complete ban on transit visa applications for Nigerian nationals, effectively curtailing stopovers for onward journeys.

Canada has similarly raised the bar for prospective immigrants. Effective July 7, 2025, the minimum financial requirement for applicants through the Express Entry system has been increased. Single applicants must now show proof of at least CAD $15,263 (approximately N17 million), while a two-person household requires CAD $19,001 (about N21.2 million). Applicants are now also mandated to submit official letters from their financial institutions, printed on letterhead, confirming account details.

While the United Kingdom is transitioning to a digital eVisa system for most study and work visa applicants from July 15, 2025, promising a faster process, the overall landscape for Nigerian travellers remains complex. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has imposed a suspension on “block work visas” for Nigeria and six other African countries, aligning with its domestic employment drive known as “Saudization.”

These stricter visa regimes are generally attributed to concerns over national security, economic protectionism, public health issues, and efforts to curb perceived visa overstay rates and improve documentation. The direct impact on Nigerians is profound, extending beyond mere travel inconvenience to severe financial and logistical burdens on students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and families. Experts warn that such policies could act as non-tariff barriers to trade and investment, potentially exacerbating the nation’s brain drain as skilled individuals seek opportunities in countries with more welcoming immigration environments.

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagements to resolve the new restrictions. Coincidentally, Nigeria itself has introduced stricter measures under its Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, including a shift to e-Visas, phasing out visa on arrival, and imposing penalties for overstayers, signaling a global trend towards tighter immigration controls.