Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Wole Soyinka: US Revokes Nigerian Author's Visa
A famous writer from Nigeria, Wole Soyinka, who won a big award called the Nobel Prize, said that the United States has canceled his visa.
This visa allowed him to visit the U.S. He was told he needs to apply again if he wants to go there.
This happened after he showed reporters a letter from the U.S. Embassy about his visa.
The writer had previously said he gave up his residency in the U.S. in 2016 because he disagreed with the U.S. President at the time.
Recently, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria also changed its rules for Nigerians wanting to visit, giving them shorter visa times.
Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka stated the U.S. revoked his non-immigrant visa issued last year.
Soyinka was informed he must re-apply if he wishes to visit the United States again.
A letter from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos cited that 'additional information became available' after the visa was initially granted.
Soyinka, who has taught at U.S. universities since the mid-1990s, previously renounced his U.S. residency in 2016.
This action follows recent changes by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria that reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerians.
- Who
- Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka
- What
- had his non-immigrant visa revoked by the United States
- When
- On Tuesday
- Where
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Why
- The U.S. Consulate General stated that 'additional information became available' after the visa was issued.
U.S. Government Stance
Wole Soyinka's Perspective
Visa Revocation Reason
U.S. Government Stance
The U.S. Consulate General cited 'additional information became available' after the visa was initially issued.
Wole Soyinka's Perspective
Wole Soyinka stated he was informed his visa was revoked and he is 'obviously banned' from the United States.
Requirement to Re-apply
U.S. Government Stance
Soyinka was informed he must re-apply if he wishes to visit the U.S. again.
Wole Soyinka's Perspective
Soyinka indicated he is banned and implied he will not re-apply, stating 'if you want to see me, you know where to find me' (referring to locations outside the U.S.).
- Author
- Wole Soyinka
- Nationality
- Nigerian
- Award
- Nobel Prize for Literature
- Year Awarded
- 1986
- Visa Type Revoked
- Non-immigrant visa
- Age
- 91
