‘Visas May Be Revoked Anytime’ — U.S. Embassy Speaks on Wole Soyinka’s Cancelled Visa

The United States Embassy in Lagos has addressed reports onthe revocation of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s visa, stating that U.S. entry visas areprivileges, not rights, and can be revoked at any time. The clarification comes amid public interest after the Nobellaureate disclosed that his B1/B2 visa had been cancelled by the Embassy. Through its Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, theEmbassy stated that it could not provide details regarding Soyinka’s casebecause of privacy regulations. “Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. Wewill not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” she stated. McKay stressed that no individual is entitled to a U.S.visa. “Visas are a privilege, not a right ... visas may be revokedat any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstanceswarrant,” she said in the email response. Soyinka revealed the revocation of his visa during a mediabriefing in Lagos earlier this week. The 91-year-old writer told journalists that he received aletter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos notifying himof the cancellation. He also stated that he currently holds no visa and will notbe traveling to the United States until further notice. The iconic playwright said he could not identify anywrongdoing that may have triggered the action but recalled two minordecades-old incidents involving U.S. airport rules and a disagreement withpolice officers. He jokingly noted that the only “crime” he could rememberwas once being fined for carrying undeclared peppers into the U.S. Soyinka, who has been openly critical of former U.S.President Donald Trump, told journalists that he would not contest theEmbassy’s decision but found the situation “curious.” The Consulate’s letter reportedly referenced U.S.regulations under 22 CFR 41.122, noting that new information had come to lightafter the visa was issued, leading to its cancellation. It also requested that Soyinka return the visa for physicalcancellation. The Nobel laureate, however, laughed at the instruction andjokingly asked if anyone would be willing to deliver it on his behalf. Meanwhile, the development has sparked conversations,especially as the U.S. continues tightening border and immigration controlsglobally. This comes at a time when many Nigerians have raisedconcerns about stricter U.S. travel scrutiny and increased visa refusals.

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