The United States has announced two major travel policy changes this week: one affecting airline passengers who stop at US airports, and the other specifically impacting Nigerian visa applicants.
No More Shoe Removal at U.S. Airports After Nearly 20 Years
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially ended the rule requiring airline passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings.
The change was announced on Tuesday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and it takes immediate effect across all U.S. airports.
“Our security technology has changed dramatically. It’s evolved. TSA has changed,” Noem said at a press briefing. “We now have a multi-layered, whole-of-government approach to security.”
While travelers will still need to remove belts, jackets, laptops, and liquids, these rules are also being reviewed for possible adjustments.
The shoe rule was first introduced nationwide in 2006, after a 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid, also known as the “shoe bomber,” who hid explosives in his footwear on a flight from Paris to Miami. He was subdued by passengers, and the plane landed safely in Boston.
Nicholas E. Calio, President of Airlines for America, a major U.S. airline association, welcomed the update:
“This policy change will go a long way in facilitating smooth, seamless, and secure travel for passengers and is welcome news to the millions of people who fly every day.”
In Nigeria, traveler Noah, who regularly uses local airlines, told The News Chronicle that airport checks in the country are already detailed:
“You pass a metal detector, then they use a handheld device to check your body. Bags are screened, and security officials inspect your carry-on luggage too. Male staff check male passengers and females attend to female passengers.”
U.S. Slashes Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas to Single Entry, 3-Month Validity
In a separate announcement, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria stated that it is now issuing most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to Nigerians as single-entry visas valid for just three months. The change takes immediate effect from July 8, 2025.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period,” the U.S. Mission said.
The embassy clarified that any non-immigrant visa issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid and unchanged.
The rule is part of a reciprocal visa policy that began under the Trump administration, and is meant to align visa terms for Nigerians with how U.S. citizens are treated in return.
The U.S. government said that the update is not a punishment, but part of global visa reciprocity standards that are regularly reviewed to protect the integrity of the American immigration system.
“Visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” the embassy said.
The statement also noted that U.S. visa policies are based on technical and security benchmarks, including:
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Ensuring secure travel documents
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Managing visa overstays
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Sharing security and criminal data with partner countries
Another traveller told The News Chronicle; “The new U.S. visa rule may stress many genuine travelers who used to enjoy two-year or multiple-entry visas.”
The mission confirmed it is working with the Nigerian Government to help meet these international requirements and praised ongoing reforms by Nigerian immigration and security agencies.
“We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices,” it added.
The U.S. urged Nigerian travelers to adhere strictly to their visa terms and ensure that their travel documents are authentic and up to date.
