The Embassy emphasised that the length of time a Nigerian traveller could remain in the U.S. was decided by Customs and Border Protection, CBP, officers at the port of entry, instead of the date stamped on the visa.
The embassy called on travellers to pay attention to their I-94 form to avoid costly immigration missteps.
“The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection, CBP, officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date.
“A US visa allows you entry to a US port of entry and request permission to enter. How long you are allowed to stay in the United States is not your visa expiration date.
‘’The CBP determines your ‘Admit Until Date’ upon your arrival and you can check the date by which you must depart online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.”
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a strong advisory to its citizens residing in Nigeria, urging them to comply immediately with new immigration directives from the federal government.
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The advisory comes on the heels of a severe warning issued by Donald Trump’s administration to foreign nationals who overstay their visa validity.
The embassy also cautioned that such action could result in deportation and a permanent ban on re-entering the country.
Prior to the warning by the US, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had stated that there would be strict penalties for foreigners who overstayed their visas in the country.
He further encouraged all foreigners in Nigeria to regularise their immigration status through the immigration amnesty portal, which would be available until the end of July.
Issuing a warning to its citizens yesterday, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, through a statement on its website, advised all Americans residing in Nigeria to comply with the new directives to avoid penalties that may be imposed for non-compliance.
The statement read: “The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that effective August 1, 2025, the Nigerian Federal Government will begin imposing strict penalties on foreigners who have overstayed their visas.
“To provide an opportunity for affected individuals to comply with immigration regulations, an online immigration amnesty portal is available until the end of July. The portal allows visitors to regularise their stay before the penalties are enforced.
“US citizens currently in Nigeria who have overstayed their visa are strongly encouraged to regularise their stay through the amnesty portal before July 31, 2025. Failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria. All U.S. citizens are reminded to adhere to Nigerian visa regulations to avoid complications.”
The embassy further noted that, as part of broader immigration reforms, Nigeria’s interior ministry introduced a $15 daily surcharge for each day a visitor overstayed his/her visa, effective May 1, 2025. An amnesty period, during which individuals can regularise their status without incurring fines, will end on July 31, 2025.
“The penalties after August 1, include that visitors who fail to regularise their status by the end of the amnesty period will be subject to the accrued daily surcharge. Overstays of six months or more will result in a five-year ban on re-entry.
“Overstays of one year or more will result in a 10-year re-entry ban. The newly launched portal enables holders of expired visa-on-arrival permits, lapsed single-entry visas, or overdue expatriate residence cards to submit applications for a stay permit online, upload required supporting documents, obtain clearance without visiting an immigration office.
‘’ This streamlined system eliminates the need for in-person visits, long queues, and additional fees, making compliance with immigration requirements more accessible,” the embassy added.