For frequent international travellers, a long-validity multiple-entry visa can eliminate the need to apply for a new visa before every trip.
However, a 10-year visa does not necessarily mean the holder can stay in a country for 10 years. In most cases, it only determines how long the visa can be used for repeated travel, while immigration authorities set the permitted length of each stay.
For Nigerians, the options are more limited than online lists may suggest. The United States, for example, currently gives Nigerian nationals B1/B2 visas with one entry and three months’ validity, following a 2025 change in its reciprocity policy.
Here are countries with documented 10-year multiple-entry visitor visas, including where the option applies to Nigerians and where it is restricted to certain nationalities or applicants.
1. United Kingdom
Nigerians can apply for the UK’s Long-term Standard Visitor visa, available with validity periods of two, five, or 10 years.
The 10-year visa permits multiple visits throughout its validity period. However, it does not allow the holder to live in Britain for 10 years. A Standard Visitor can generally stay for up to six months on each visit.
Applicants must show a genuine need to visit the UK regularly and meet the requirements for a visitor visa.
2. Canada
Canada may issue visitor visas as multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years.
The Canadian government states that an immigration officer determines the actual validity period, which may be shorter. The visa can also expire earlier if the holder’s passport or biometrics expire.
A multiple-entry visa allows travellers to visit Canada repeatedly while it remains valid. Most visitors are normally allowed to stay for up to six months per visit, although a border officer may authorise a different period.
For Nigerians: Yes, but a 10-year visa is not automatic.
3. Mexico
Mexico offers a Long-Term Visitor Visa valid for up to 10 years.
The visa permits multiple entries, with each visit generally allowing a stay of up to 180 days. It is available to foreign nationals who require a visa and meet the applicable requirements.
Mexico lists eligible categories including frequent travellers, applicants with sufficient economic solvency, prominent individuals and certain family members of Mexican citizens or residents.
For Nigerians: Potentially yes, provided the applicant meets the relevant requirements.
4. Brazil
Brazil allows visitor visas with a validity period of up to 10 years where reciprocal arrangements apply.
According to the Brazilian Federal Police, a visit visa is generally valid for one year and permits multiple entries. However, its validity can extend to 10 years where reciprocity arrangements apply.
The 10-year validity is therefore not a standard option available to every foreign national.
For Nigerians: Applicable validity depends on Brazil’s reciprocity arrangements with Nigeria, so applicants should confirm current requirements with the Brazilian mission before assuming they qualify for a 10-year visa.
5. United States – for some nationalities, but not currently Nigerians
The United States issues 10-year B1/B2 visitor visas to nationals of certain countries, but visa validity is determined by nationality under the U.S. visa reciprocity system.
For instance, U.S. reciprocity schedules provide for 120-month, multiple-entry B1/B2 visas for nationals of countries including China and Brazil.
Nigerian nationals, however, currently do not receive the same 10-year validity. The U.S. reciprocity schedule for Nigeria lists B1, B2 and B1/B2 visas as one-entry visas with three months’ validity.
For Nigerians: No, under the current reciprocity schedule.
6. China – 10-year visas for certain nationalities
China has entered into reciprocal arrangements that allow nationals of certain countries to obtain long-term multiple-entry visas.
For example, China and the United States have agreements providing tourist and business visas valid for up to 10 years for each other’s citizens. China and Canada also have reciprocal arrangements providing multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years for business, tourism, and family visits.
The 10-year option is therefore dependent on nationality and bilateral agreements rather than being a standard visa available to all foreign nationals.