The United States embassy in Abuja has advised American citizens currently in Nigeria with expired visas to regularise their status or risk facing strict penalties from the Nigerian government.
In a notice to citizens seen on by TheCable on Friday, the embassy asked Americans to take advantage of the running amnesty programme offered by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to foreigners with expired visas or immigration violations.
The initiative allows the foreigners to regularise their status without penalties and was announced on July 6.
The NIS said the initiative took effect on May 1 and runs until September 30, extending the window period which was supposed to end August 1.
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The service advised affected individuals to visit this website to regularise their stay within the grace period and avoid overstay penalties.
“U.S. citizens currently in Nigeria who have overstayed their visa are strongly encouraged to regularize their stay through the amnesty portal before July 31, 2025,” the embassy said.
“Failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria. All U.S. citizens are reminded to adhere to Nigerian visa regulations to avoid complications.”
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The notice comes amid recent tensions between the US and Nigeria over Washington’s updated visa policy.
The changes reduced the validity period and entry allowance for “most” non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians, effectively limiting the legality of their stay in the US to three months with a single entry.
But Nigerian visa privileges to Americans remain the same.
Nigeria has urged the US to reconsider its decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.
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