Nigerians Spent Over N50 Billion on U.S. Visa Applications in 2023-2024
Nigerians paid more than N50 billion in fees for United States non-immigrant visa applications during 2023 and 2024. Visa issuances fell 23 percent over the period while application volume remained high.
zikoko.comNigerians spent more than N50 billion on United States visa applications between 2023 and 2024 even as the number of visas issued declined. An analysis of U.S. Department of State data showed 201,200 non-immigrant visas were granted to Nigerians over the two years.
At the standard $185 application fee, total spending reached an estimated $37.2 million, or roughly N50.7 billion at prevailing exchange rates.
Issuances dropped from 113,900 in 2023 to 87,300 in 2024, a decline of 26,600 visas or 23 percent. B1/B2 business and tourism visas accounted for 83 percent of 2024 approvals, while student visas made up about 7 percent. Nigeria represented 0.8 percent of global non-immigrant visa issuances in 2024.
The decline followed a series of U.S. policy adjustments that began after January 2025. In July 2025 most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians were limited to single-entry permits valid for three months. Further restrictions announced in December 2025 took effect on January 1, 2026, and applied to Nigeria and five other countries.
Travel executives said first-time applicants now face longer waits and less predictable outcomes. Some applicants continue to pay fees and attend interviews despite reduced approval chances. Demand for travel to the United States has eased compared with other destinations, according to industry observers.
