The United States government has explained that its new visa review affecting 36 countries, including Nigeria, is not a travel ban.
At a press briefing on June 17, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the review is based on national security rules under President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14161. The goal is to check if countries can provide reliable visa information and cooperate with the US on security matters.
Bruce stressed that the review is not about the country’s location or continent. “This is about whether we can trust the visa information provided by each country,” she said.
The process will assess how well foreign governments manage identity checks, share security data, handle visa overstays, and work with the US on deportations. Countries that fall short will be given time to improve before any action is taken.
Bruce also clarified that there is no urgent deadline for countries to submit action plans, as some reports suggested. Instead, the US wants to work with each country to fix problems.
Nigeria was previously affected by a similar visa restriction in 2020 but was removed after improving its systems and cooperation with the US.
For Nigerians hoping to study, work, or visit the US, the message is clear: no immediate travel restrictions, but continued partnership with US authorities on visa and security processes is essential.
This review shows the US is focusing on security and trust, not banning travel from Nigeria or Africa.
