United States extends tourist visa validity from two to five years to shorten Nigeria’s visa processing wait times.
US Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, said last night that the measure already took effect from Wednesday 1st March.
The Embassy processes visa applications in Abuja and Lagos.
“Effective March 1, 2023, the U.S. Mission will increase visitor visa validity from 24 months to 60 months for Nigerians who want to enter the United States temporarily for business and/or tourism.
“The visa validity extension allows Nigerians to use the visa for 60 months to make short trips to the United States for tourism or business purposes before having to renew their visa.
The embassy said visa application fee, currently set at USD160, will not change due to the added time. The US hopes that the measure will “reduce visa appointment wait times in Nigeria.”
Those previously issued dual-entry visas within the past 48 months continue to enjoy priority consideration with the no-interview renewals. They however must meet other criteria to qualify.
The embassy listed the criteria for grant of no-interview visa as follows:
- Applicant is physically present in Nigeria,
- Their previous visa issued in Nigeria.
- The application is for same classification as previous visa, and must be full validity, multiple entry visa.
- Previous visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in three months from date of application.
- Applicants have passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.
- Applicant never arrested or convicted of crime or offense in the US, even with a waiver or pardon, and
- Has never worked without authorization or remained beyond permitted time in the United States.
US extends tourist visa validity period for Nigeria
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