*Nigerians Without Documentation Go Into Hidding At Expense Of Survival, Beliefs
The admimistrstion of Donald Trump has officially released its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) list, with Nigeria and other African nations completely excluded, continuing the United States’ continued hardline immigration postures
While 40 countries—including European, Asian, and select Middle Eastern nations—secured visa-free entry into the US, no African nation made the list.
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 towards 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.
ALSO READ:Oil Gains On Supply Concerns From Iran Sanctions, Strong Refining Margins
However, travellers must still obtain prior Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) approval before entry.
For Nigerians, this latest exclusion further puts a temporary end to accessing ‘God’s own country’ 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.
Presently, some Nigerians, without valid documents, have reportedly gone into hiding in America, at the expense of their survival and beliefs.
Some analysts say, unless precautionary and proactive measures ate taking, the policy may produce unintended consequences on both the US government as well as governments of the fleeing nationals.
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