Nigeria passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Nigeria

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism/Medical)

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism/Medical)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Sufficient to cover trip costs; no fixed minimum stated

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 Online Form
Fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
2
Pay the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) Fee
Pay the $185 non-refundable visa application fee through the designated payment system.
3
Schedule Visa Interview Appointment
Use your DS-160 confirmation number and receipt to book an appointment at the US Embassy in Abuja or Consulate in Lagos.
4
Gather Required Documents
Compile all supporting documents including passport, photo, financial proof, and ties to Nigeria.
5
Attend Biometric Appointment
Visit the visa application center (VAC) on the scheduled date to provide fingerprints and photograph.
6
Attend Visa Interview at Embassy/Consulate
Bring all documents to the scheduled interview; answer questions about your trip and ties to Nigeria.
7
Wait for Visa Processing
Processing may take several business days; status can be tracked online via the CEAC system.
8
Passport Return/Collection
If approved, the passport with visa will be returned via courier or pick-up as chosen at application.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid Nigerian passport (validity at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
Must have at least two blank visa pages.
Travel itinerary (round-trip flight booking)
Not an actual ticket – just a tentative reservation.
Hotel confirmation or letter of invitation from US host
Includes host's address and relationship if staying with family/friends.
Previous US visas and passports (if applicable)
Optional
Any expired passports containing old US visas.

Financial

Application fee payment receipt (MRV fee)
Pay the non-refundable $185 MRV fee via authorized channels.
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Show sufficient funds to cover travel expenses.

Employment

Supporting documents proving ties to Nigeria (employment, property, family)
Examples: employment letter, bank statements, land titles, marriage certificate.
Employment letter (if employed)
Optional
Stating position, salary, and approved leave.
Business registration documents (if self-employed)
Optional
CAC certificate, tax returns, company bank statements.
School enrollment letter (if student)
Optional
Confirming matriculation and vacation period.

Supporting

DS-160 confirmation page
Print barcode confirmation after submitting online form.
Passport-style photograph (2×2 inches, white background)
Taken within last 6 months, no glasses.
Visa appointment confirmation letter
Printed from the appointment scheduling system.
Evidence of US host's legal status (if applicable)
Optional
Copy of host's US passport, green card, or visa.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip costs; no fixed minimum stated

Bank statements (3-6 months)
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Sponsor's bank letter

Self-sponsored applicants must show consistent income; sponsored applicants need sponsor's statement plus relationship proof.

Good to know

Visa interview cannot be waived for Nigerian first-time applicants (B1/B2).
Do NOT buy non-refundable tickets before visa approval.
Fraudulent documents will lead to permanent ineligibility.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to Nigeria (risk of overstay)

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, property, or ongoing education.

Inconsistent or incomplete application form

Double-check all DS-160 fields for accuracy; do not omit travel history.

Inadequate financial documentation

Submit bank statements showing regular inflows and sufficient balance to cover the trip.

Previous US visa violation or overstay

Be truthful; if overstay was minor and long ago, explain circumstances honestly.

FAQ

Do citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism/Medical).

How long can citizens of Nigeria stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Nigeria?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of Nigeria need for the United States?

Valid Nigerian passport (validity at least 6 months beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Application fee payment receipt (MRV fee); Passport-style photograph (2×2 inches, white background); Visa appointment confirmation letter; Supporting documents proving ties to Nigeria (employment, property, family); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/online-nonimmigrant-visa-application-ds-160.html

Sources

travel.state.gov

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