The clarification comes amid public interest after the Nobel
laureate disclosed that his B1/B2 visa had been cancelled by the Embassy.

Through its Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, the
Embassy stated that it could not provide details regarding Soyinka’s case
because of privacy regulations.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We
will 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 revoked
at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances
warrant,” she said in the email response.

Soyinka revealed the revocation of his visa during a media
briefing in Lagos earlier this week.

The 91-year-old writer told journalists that he received a
letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos notifying him
of the cancellation.

He also stated that he currently holds no visa and will not
be traveling to the United States until further notice.

The iconic playwright said he could not identify any
wrongdoing that may have triggered the action but recalled two minor
decades-old incidents involving U.S. airport rules and a disagreement with
police officers.

He jokingly noted that the only “crime” he could remember
was 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 the
Embassy’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 light
after the visa was issued, leading to its cancellation.

It also requested that Soyinka return the visa for physical
cancellation.

The Nobel laureate, however, laughed at the instruction and
jokingly 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 controls
globally.

This comes at a time when many Nigerians have raised
concerns about stricter U.S. travel scrutiny and increased visa refusals.