International

U.S. Excludes Nigeria, UK from Visa-Free Travel Programme

Published

1 month ago

Feb 25, 2025.

The U.S. excluded Nigeria from its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme.
The UK is also removed but remains eligible under special conditions.
Romania was added, bringing the total list to 40 countries.

The United States has updated its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), excluding both the United Kingdom and Nigeria from general eligibility. The new list includes 40 countries, with Romania being the latest addition.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Visa Waiver Programme allows citizens of participating nations to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

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However, all travelers must secure Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before arrival.

While the UK remains eligible under specific conditions, no African country, including Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa, was included in the list. The exclusion of Nigeria continues the long-standing policy that requires Nigerian citizens to apply for a visa before traveling to the U.S.

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, in a statement on its website, explained that the program is designed to enhance security and strengthen diplomatic ties while streamlining entry for business and tourism purposes.

“The 2025 programme introduces updates to travel policies and eligibility criteria, simplifying visa-free entry for millions while ensuring border security,” the bureau stated.

The list of eligible countries now includes Andorra, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the newly added Romania, among others.

The exclusion of Nigeria and other African nations has sparked discussions about U.S. travel policies and their implications for international mobility.