By Ziggy Ojiegbe

Nigeria has been placed under a partial travel ban by the United States as the Trump administration expands restrictions on entry into the country, citing security concerns, weak vetting systems, and rising political tensions.

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Under the new measures signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Nigerians seeking to travel to the US for business, tourism, study, or other non-immigrant purposes will face tighter screening and limited visa access. The restrictions take effect on January 1, 2026.

The White House said Nigeria was included among countries facing partial bans due to difficulties in verifying civil records, concerns over document fraud, and challenges in conducting reliable background checks. US officials also cited high visa overstay rates and cooperation issues around accepting deported nationals.

Nigeria’s inclusion follows heightened diplomatic strain between Washington and Abuja. Earlier this year, the Trump administration publicly accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christian communities amid ongoing violence, a claim the Nigerian government has disputed. President Trump also threatened military action in early November over the issue.

Security concerns have further shaped the administration’s approach to immigration. US officials expanded travel restrictions after the November arrest of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members. Since that incident, asylum decisions and immigration processing for affected countries have been suspended.

Alongside Nigeria, several African nations are now under partial travel restrictions, including Angola, Benin, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Tonga were also added to the partial ban list.

Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela remain under partial restrictions imposed in June 2025. With the lifting of limits on Turkmenistan, the total number of countries facing partial travel bans now stands at 19.

The administration also expanded full travel bans, barring entry entirely for nationals of Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan. Sierra Leone and Laos were moved from partial to full restrictions, while people traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are now fully prohibited.

These additions bring the total number of countries under full US travel bans to 19, in addition to the Palestinian Authority. Countries already fully restricted since June 2025 include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The restrictions apply to tourists, students, business travelers, and immigrants. Lawful permanent residents, holders of valid visas issued before the ban, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve US national interests are exempt.