The United States has announced sweeping new travel and immigration restrictions affecting nationals from more than 30 countries, citing national security risks, poor identity management systems, terrorism, visa fraud, and high overstay rates.
The proclamation, signed by President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025, takes effect from January 1, 2026, and builds on earlier restrictions first introduced during his initial administration and later reinstated in 2025.
According to the White House, the decision follows extensive reviews by the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice, and U.S. intelligence agencies. The review found that several countries lack reliable civil documentation systems, maintain poor criminal records, fail to share security information with the U.S., or are unable or unwilling to take back their nationals ordered for removal.
The restrictions fall into two broad categories: full suspension of entry and partial suspension of entry. Countries under full suspension face an almost complete ban on both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, while those under partial suspension face bans on specific visa categories, including tourist, student, and immigrant visas, alongside reduced visa validity.
The U.S. government also tightened exceptions previously allowed for family-based immigration, arguing that such pathways have been exploited in the past for fraud, criminal financing, and terrorism-related activities.
In addition, the proclamation targets countries operating Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programmes without residency requirements, which U.S. authorities say allow individuals to conceal their true identities and bypass travel bans.
While the proclamation includes limited exemptions for diplomats, athletes attending major sporting events, dual nationals travelling on non-restricted passports, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests, the administration stressed that such waivers will be rare and granted strictly on a case-by-case basis.
The White House said the restrictions will be reviewed every 180 days, with countries able to regain access if they improve identity verification, security vetting, record-keeping, and cooperation with U.S. immigration enforcement.
What the New US Proclamation Means for Nigerians
Nigeria is among the 15 countries placed under partial travel and immigration restrictions in the new U.S. proclamation, marking a significant tightening of access for Nigerian nationals.
Under the new rules, the United States has suspended immigrant visas for Nigerians, effectively blocking pathways to permanent residency and green cards for new applicants. In addition, key non-immigrant visas — including tourist (B1/B2) and student/exchange (F, M, J) visas — have also been suspended.
The U.S. government cited several reasons for Nigeria’s inclusion, including the presence and activities of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, difficulties in screening and vetting applicants in certain regions, and visa overstay concerns.
Although Nigeria’s tourist visa overstay rate (5.56%) is lower than that of several other affected countries, U.S. authorities said overstay rates were only one of multiple factors considered. The broader concern, according to the proclamation, is the government’s ability to reliably verify identities, criminal histories, and security risks across the entire country.
Other non-immigrant visa categories may still be issued to Nigerians, but consular officers have been directed to shorten visa validity and apply stricter scrutiny.
Importantly, Nigerians who already hold valid U.S. visas issued before January 1, 2026, are not affected, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) retain their status.
The proclamation will be reviewed every six months, meaning Nigeria could be removed from the restricted list if the U.S. determines that sufficient improvements have been made in security cooperation, documentation systems, and immigration compliance.
