If you’re travelling from Nigeria to the US, you may be wondering what entry requirements you’ll need to meet to make your trip happen.
As a citizen of Nigeria, you are required to obtain a travel pass, though you are eligible to apply for the US B1/B2 visa from Nigeria. This travel pass entitles you to visit the country for temporary visits for business, tourism and/or medical purposes. To obtain your travel documentation, you will need to complete an application form, attend a medical exam, and secure an interview at the US Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria.
The US offers something for every traveller. From national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, lively cities like New York, to California’s many beaches, the country attracts more than 77 million tourists a year for good reason.
Read on for everything you need to know about the US B1/B2 visa for Nigerian citizens!
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About the American B1/B2 Visa From Nigeria
Citizens of Nigeria are required to obtain an entry pass for travel to the US. You will most likely require the American B1/B2 visa for Nigerians travelling to the USA either for business (B1) and/or tourism (B2) purposes. Often, this visa is combined, which is why you will see it written as B1/B2.
To obtain your travel pass, you will need to demonstrate to a consular officer that you meet the criteria. You must demonstrate the following:
- That you only intend to stay in the country temporarily and for purposes including business, tourism or to receive medical treatment.
- That your visit is for a specific and limited period of time.
- That you are able to financially cover your expenses while in the country.
- Proof of your home or residence and any other economic ties outside of the US.
You will not be permitted to travel under this visa if your visit is for study, employment, paid performance, working as a member of the foreign media or to gain permanent residence.
The US visa fee in Nigeria is 160 USD, though this does not include extra fees should you go through an agency or visa provider.
How long you can stay in the country depends on the US Customs and Border Protection Officer who checks your paperwork when you arrive in the country. In most cases, this travel pass is valid for 10 years and Multiple Entries, though you won’t be permitted to stay in the country for the entire duration. For example, you may be granted a maximum of 180 days per visit.
US B1/B2 Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
Before your visa interview at the US Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria, you will need to start by filling out the US visa application form from Nigeria, called the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the application and your answers must be written in English.
You will need the following information handy to fill out your details:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended stay.
- A digital photo that meets the photo requirements.
- Information about other US visas you have had in the past.
- Information about previous trips you have taken to other countries in the past 5 years.
- Any other documents related to your travel plans in the US.
Make sure you write down the Application ID displayed on the top-right corner of the webpage. You will need your ID to access your application again, so it’s useful to have this somewhere safe so you can refer back to it when required.
Also, make sure to save your application frequently. The system will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity, after which any unsaved information will be lost!
As part of your application and before your interview, you will need to attend a medical exam from a physician approved by the US Consulate General. Your medical exam will include a medical history review, physical examination including a chest X-ray, and blood tests and tuberculosis (TB) testing.
Guide to the US Visa Interview in Nigeria
You must make an interview appointment at the US Consulate General in Lagos as part of your application. The address is 2 Walter Carrington Cres, Victoria Island, 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Its opening hours are 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm Friday.
During your interview, you will be asked a number of questions related to your upcoming trip, including how you will finance your trip and where you plan to visit.
You will also be required to present the following documents:
- A copy of your NVC interview letter.
- A passport with 6 months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States, and a photocopy of the name and photo page.
- 2 colour passport photos of each person applying for a visa.
- The confirmation page from your DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Your original birth certificate and a photocopy.
- Your medical exam results in a sealed envelope (this may have already been sent directly to the US Consulate).
- Any additional ID documents, which may include your voter registration card, old passports, or school records.
The entire application process can take anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks, so it’s wise to start completing information and booking your interview in good time to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the US Visa for Nigerians
If you are organising a trip to the country, then you probably have lots of questions. Check out our FAQ section below to get answers to some of the most common queries.
Can I Obtain a US Tourist Visa From Nigeria in Advance?
Yes. You must obtain a visa in advance of your trip to the US. The application process can take from 2-6 weeks and requires that you have an interview at the US Consulate in Lagos. Therefore, you must organise your travel pass in advance of your trip.
Can I Get a Multiple-Entry American Visa as a Nigerian?
Yes. The B1/B2 travel pass is usually valid for 10 years and multiple trips to the country. However, this is dependent on the US Customs and Border Protection Officer who will check your paperwork when you arrive in the country. Usually, you will not be allowed to stay in the country for more than 180 days per trip.
More Information on Travelling to America
For more information on the United States and a guide to what you need to know before your travels, including the top sights to experience and the international dialling code, then view our Visit the USA page. If you hold a nationality other than Nigerian, you can also go to our US ESTA visa waiver page to apply for your entry document.
