Restrictions on international travel being currently imposed on some countries, including Nigeria, connote serious implications that require significant measures by Nigeria to protect the interests of its citizens.
While there is little Nigeria can do to dissuade other countries from restricting the movement of Nigerians and foreigners in their countries, Nigeria can adopt measures to confine the restrictions as a temporary inconvenience, and initiate corresponding measures to principally make the country a safe, habitable and progressive abode for Nigerians and foreigners alike.
At least three countries: the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates have imposed measures restricting travel permits of a category of immigrants, of which Nigerians are affected. The United States is implementing new visa restrictions on Nigerian travellers, limiting them to single-entry, three-month visas. Prior to this development, Nigerian citizens could obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.
Unsurprisingly, the new visa restriction has caused a significant stir in the polity. It is disrupting Nigerian-American and immigrant communities, impacting family visits, business travel, and financial planning. The restriction is also seen as creating unnecessary financial burdens for those who must reapply for visas more frequently.
The move is widely perceived as a retaliatory measure by the U.S. in response to Nigeria’s alleged suspension of the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens, and Nigeria’s refusal to accede to pressure from the Donald Trump administration to accept Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. However, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has denied this claim, stating that “visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
In Canada’s case, the government has raised the minimum financial threshold for applicants seeking to migrate under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programmes. Effective July 7, 2025, a single applicant must now demonstrate access to at least CAD $15,263 (roughly ₦17 million), up from the previous requirement of CAD $14,690. For a family of two, the new minimum is CAD $19,001 (about ₦21.2 million). According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), applicants must update their Express Entry profiles with the new proof of funds by July 28, 2025, to maintain eligibility. The required amount increases with family size.
As for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is now implementing stricter travel conditions for Nigerians, including a ban on transit visas and new restrictions on tourist visas. Specifically, Nigerians aged 18–45 travelling alone are now ineligible for tourist visas, while those aged 45 and above must provide a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent. These changes come after the recent resolution of a two-year visa ban on Nigerians. Meanwhile, contrary to widespread rumours, the United Kingdom has denied imposing any visa restrictions on Nigeria.
The recent visa restrictions on Nigeria and the increase in the minimum financial threshold for visa applications by Canada are more than symbolic gestures; they should be seen as diplomatic alarm bells—warning shots urging Nigeria to clean up its political and governance systems. While often aimed at pressuring political elites to reform, visa restrictions carry far-reaching consequences that ripple across Nigeria’s economy, diplomatic relations, education sector, and national psyche.
These visa restrictions are, without doubt, most damaging to the Nigerian economy. Nigeria, already grappling with a sluggish economy and high unemployment, cannot afford to be isolated from the global investment community. Visa bans—particularly those tied to allegations of corruption, electoral malpractice, or terrorism—send damaging signals to foreign investors. They portray Nigeria as unstable and untrustworthy, thereby reducing foreign direct investment and slowing economic growth.
Businesses with international links also suffer. Nigerian entrepreneurs and executives are often denied access to global markets, trade shows, or business negotiations abroad. Travel limitations further affect the tourism and hospitality industry, which loses potential revenue from Nigerians seeking to travel and from foreigners wary of engaging with a sanctioned country.
Visa restrictions on Nigeria can isolate the country diplomatically, hinder personal and professional mobility, damage the economy, and increase public frustration—particularly among the youth and educated class. While intended to drive reform or enhance security, they often have collateral consequences that affect ordinary citizens more than the political elite.
Such bans or restrictions may be interpreted as signs of political instability or governance failure, deterring foreign direct investment. Nigerian companies with global operations may struggle to send staff abroad for training, meetings, or negotiations.
Visa restrictions also obstruct academic opportunities abroad. Many Nigerian students rely on international education, particularly in the US, UK, and Canada. These restrictions block access to such institutions. Qualified professionals may lose opportunities to attend conferences, pursue fellowships, or work abroad legally—leading to frustration and, in some cases, illegal migration.
Ultimately, no country can afford to operate in isolation. For Nigeria to thrive in a globalised world, it must uphold democratic principles, strengthen its institutions, and earn back the respect of the international community. Visa restrictions may be temporary, but the damage they cause—if left unaddressed—can be long-lasting.
Therefore, Nigeria should promptly respond to the visa restrictions through a combination of diplomatic efforts, policy adjustments, and public communication. This means not waiting for the restrictions to expire or escalate, but actively initiating dialogue with Washington, Ottawa, and Abu Dhabi. A special envoy or delegation comprising top diplomats, national security experts, and technocrats should engage their counterparts to clarify Nigeria’s position, propose timelines for institutional reforms, and seek mutual understanding and potential policy adjustments.
The visa restrictions may sting, but they are not the end of diplomatic engagement. A mature response lies in engagement, diplomacy, and accountability—not retaliation or blame-shifting. If Nigeria can demonstrate progress and goodwill through diplomatic engagement, the same international partners imposing restrictions today may become allies tomorrow.
Even though the U.S. has denied that the visa restriction is retaliation for Nigeria’s refusal to accept and accommodate Venezuelan refugees, Nigeria acted properly by not yielding to U.S. pressure. Nigeria is a sovereign and independent country. Therefore, it cannot lamely accept dictations by the U.S. or any other country, for that matter.
• To be continued tomorrow.
