The United States of America (USA) has excluded Nigeria, and others as it released the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme.
In the list released on Monday, the United Kingdom was also excluded from the programme but remains eligible under specific conditions.
While 40 countries—including European, Asian, and select Middle Eastern nations—secured visa-free entry into the US, no African nation made the cut.
The VWP list remains mostly unchanged, though Romania has been added in a significant update.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Visa Waiver Program allows most citizens of eligible countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
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The agency stated, “Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below.
“If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”
The 2025 Visa Waiver Program has also introduced policy updates on permit eligibility, revisions to the list of participating countries, and new travel policies.
This latest decision follows the Trump administration’s intensified deportation drive, which has seen thousands of undocumented Nigerians, Ghanaians, and other African migrants forcibly removed from the US in recent months.
Under Trump’s previous tenure, visa restrictions on Nigerians tightened significantly, with the administration citing high rates of visa overstays and security concerns.
With Trump now back in power, his immigration policies are once again prioritising strict border control, mass deportations, and reduced entry access for African and Latin American countries.
Despite keeping Nigeria and other African nations off the list, the US State Department added Romania to the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme—signalling a shift toward prioritising countries with strong diplomatic ties and enhanced border security measures.
According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Visa Waiver Programme allows most citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
In the list released on Monday, the United Kingdom was also excluded from the programme but remains eligible under specific conditions.
While 40 countries—including European, Asian, and select Middle Eastern nations—secured visa-free entry into the US, no African nation made the cut.
However, travellers must still obtain prior Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) approval before entry.
For Nigerians, this latest exclusion further cements their restricted access to the US under the Trump administration, following previous visa bans and additional travel hurdles.
Over the years, Nigeria has faced increased visa rejection rates, with the US citing concerns over immigration violations, fraud, and security risks.
Full List Of Countries Eligible For The 2025 US Visa Waiver Programme:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Czech Republic
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Israel
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Japan
Slovenia
Latvia
South Korea
Liechtenstein
Spain
Lithuania
Sweden
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Qatar
Romania
Monaco
