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 United States government has officially released its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) list, with Nigeria and other African nations completely excluded, continuing the Donald Trump administration’s hardline immigration stance.
While 40 countries—including European, Asian, and select Middle Eastern nations—secured visa-free entry into the US, no African nation made the cut.
Even major US allies like the United Kingdom were also left out, although British citizens remain eligible under specific conditions.
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.
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