The United States government has officially unveiled its 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) list, and once again, Nigeria and other African nations have been completely left out. The decision reinforces the Trump administration’s tough immigration policies, which have consistently imposed stricter entry restrictions on African countries.
While 40 countries—including several in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—secured visa-free access to the US, no African nation made the list. Even the United Kingdom, a long-standing US ally, was not included, though British citizens can still qualify under specific conditions.
This exclusion comes amid a renewed crackdown on immigration under President Donald Trump’s leadership. In recent months, thousands of undocumented migrants from Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries have been forcibly deported as part of the administration’s intensified removal drive. Trump’s return to power has seen a resurgence of his previous immigration stance, prioritizing strict border control, large-scale deportations, and reduced access for travelers from African and Latin American nations.
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Nigeria, in particular, has faced severe visa restrictions in the past, with US authorities citing high overstay rates, immigration violations, and security concerns. These barriers have only increased under Trump’s policies, making it more difficult for Nigerians to secure US visas. The rejection rate for Nigerian applicants has risen steadily, further straining travel relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has expanded the 2025 Visa Waiver Program by adding Romania, a move seen as favoring countries with stronger diplomatic ties and enhanced border security cooperation. Under the VWP, eligible travelers can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before entry.
For Nigerians and other African nationals, this latest decision serves as another roadblock in their quest for easier access to the US. With Trump’s administration doubling down on immigration restrictions, the path to securing American visas remains increasingly challenging.