Contrary to viral social media claims, the United Kingdom remains a part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and Nigeria has never been a participant, according to verified information from U.S. government sources.
Recent online posts alleged that both Nigeria and the UK were excluded from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for 2025. These claims have since been debunked by Reuters Fact Check and lack support from any credible government announcements.
Claim: “USA excludes UK, Nigeria and others from visa-free entry for 2025.”
Fact: No such change has been made. The status of both countries remains unchanged.
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from designated countries to enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State.
The UK has been part of the program since 1988—but only for British citizens who have unrestricted permanent abode in the United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man).
As of the latest updates:
- Nigeria has never been a part of the Visa Waiver Program.
- There are no recent changes to the status of either the UK or Nigeria.
An internal memo reviewed by Reuters on March 14, 2025, indicated the U.S. was considering new travel restrictions for 41 countries, but neither Nigeria nor the UK were listed.
Furthermore, no travel advisory updates regarding these nations have been published on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website as of March 12, 2025.
Nigerian citizens are still required to apply for a U.S. visa, complete documentation, and attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.
The only countries ever removed from the Visa Waiver Program were:
- Argentina (removed in 2002)
- Uruguay (removed in 2003)
Source: Reuters