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Country guide · Nigerian passport

United States entry rules for Nigerians

Whether you need a visa for United States, what it is called, where to apply, roughly what it costs, the documents to carry, health rules, and the transit warnings on common routings.

This page covers the general rules. Your ticket may add more. Check your exact route and connections.

Do Nigerians need a visa for United States?

Yes. You must hold a B-1 (business) / B-2 (tourism), usually issued together as B1/B2. before you fly. Without it you are refused at check-in in Lagos or Abuja, not at the border.

What it is called
B-1 (business) / B-2 (tourism), usually issued together as B1/B2.

Since 8 July 2025, most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic US visas issued to Nigerians are SINGLE ENTRY and valid for THREE MONTHS. Visas issued before that date keep their original validity.

Source: ng.usembassy.gov · checked 2026-08-19

Where do you apply for a United States visa in Nigeria?

Complete the DS-160 online, pay the fee, then attend an in-person interview at the US Consulate General Lagos or the Embassy in Abuja.

Source: ng.usembassy.gov · checked 2026-08-19

How does the United States visa appointment work?

Booked through the official US visa appointment system. Wait times can be long — check the current wait for Lagos and Abuja.

Source: ng.usembassy.gov · checked 2026-08-19

How much does a United States visa cost, and how long does it take?

The standard non-immigrant visa (MRV) application fee is USD 185 and is non-refundable. Depending on nationality you may also owe a visa issuance fee after approval.

Driven by interview wait times rather than processing. Check the published wait time for your post.

Source: ng.usembassy.gov · checked 2026-08-19

How much passport validity do you need for United States?

At least 6 months left on the day you arrive. The airline checks this at the desk and will refuse you if it is short.

Source: ng.usembassy.gov · checked 2026-08-19

What documents do you need to travel to United States?

  • DS-160 confirmation page Required

    Complete the online application and bring the printed confirmation page to your interview.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

  • Passport Required

    Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the USA, unless a country-specific agreement provides an exemption.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

  • Photograph Required

    Uploaded while completing the DS-160. If the upload fails, bring one printed photo in the required format.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

  • Fee receipt Required

    The USD 185 application fee is non-refundable and is paid before the interview.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

  • Evidence of purpose, funds and intent to leave Required

    There is no fixed list. The embassy may ask for evidence of the purpose of your trip, your ability to pay for it, and your intention to leave afterwards. Evidence of employment or family ties may be enough. A letter of invitation or affidavit of support is not needed and is not a factor in the decision.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

Are there health or vaccination requirements for United States?

  • Yellow fever certificate to LEAVE Nigeria Mandatory

    Travellers departing Nigeria must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). This applies to every international trip.

    Source: porthealthservices.org.ng · checked 2026-10-15

  • Yellow fever certificate to enter the USA Advised

    Not required. The USA does not appear on the WHO list of countries with a yellow fever certificate requirement.

    Source: cdn.who.int · checked 2026-10-15

  • Travel medical insurance Advised

    Not listed as a requirement for a visitor visa, but strongly advisable given US medical costs.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

Do Nigerians need a transit visa for United States?

  • Any onward route

    The USA has no visa-free airport transit. Passing through the USA on the way somewhere else requires a Transit (C) visa, or a valid visitor (B) visa used for that purpose. Only citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, Canada and Bermuda are exempt, and Nigeria is not one of them. This applies even if you never leave the airport.

    When it applies: Any connection through a US airport, including changing planes

    If ignored: Denied boarding at origin.

    Source: travel.state.gov · checked 2026-10-15

  • Any onward route

    On a single-entry US visa, leaving the USA even briefly means you need a new visa to return.

    When it applies: Holding a single-entry visa issued on or after 8 July 2025

    If ignored: Refused re-entry without a new visa.

    Source: ng.usembassy.gov · checked 2026-08-19

Check your own route to United States

Enter your destination, your connections and your travel date. The check returns the blockers on that specific journey.

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Rule changes

Tell me when rules change for United States

We are collecting the list now. One email when a requirement on this route changes, nothing else.

Rule verified
2026-10-15
Most recent rule check

Verinar shows published requirements for your passport and route. Final entry authorisation rests solely with border control and the operating airline. Always confirm with your airline before you travel.