US Embassy in Abuja, Consulate in Lagos to Halt Visa Issuance to Nigerians from January 1

The United States Embassy in Abuja and its affiliated Consulate in Lagos will cease issuing visas to Nigerian nationals starting January 1, following the enforcement of Presidential Proclamation 10998, which imposes new entry restrictions on foreign nationals over security concerns.

U.S. authorities have clarified that the directive will not revoke visas issued before the effective date. Nigerians who already possess valid U.S. visas as of January 1, 2026, will remain unaffected by the changes.

Nigeria is among 18 countries impacted by the partial visa suspension, a list that includes several African nations. The move comes amid shifting diplomatic dynamics, including the recall of U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and Nigeria’s ongoing process of appointing ambassadors for overseas postings.

The announcement has sparked concern among Nigerians abroad, particularly students studying in the United States, many of whom have chosen not to travel home for the Christmas holidays due to uncertainty surrounding future visa access.

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