The United States has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, effective January 1, 2026, as part of a broader security policy affecting 19 countries.
The announcement was made on Monday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria in a statement published on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The measure is being implemented under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
According to the statement, the suspension will affect B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as most immigrant visas.
Other countries impacted by the policy include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
However, the U.S. Mission clarified that several categories are exempt from the suspension. These include:
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
- Dual nationals applying with passports from non-affected countries
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants who are U.S. government employees
- Participants in major international sporting events
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States
The proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not hold a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST.
“Foreign nationals who already possess valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the proclamation,” the U.S. Mission stated, adding that no visas issued before the deadline will be revoked.
While affected applicants may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, the mission noted that they may ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new rules.
The policy, issued on December 16, 2025, is described as a security-focused measure aimed at restricting entry from countries assessed as posing higher risks, without cancelling existing visas.
Meanwhile, reactions from Nigerians on social media have reflected frustration and concern over potential financial losses from visa application fees, as well as uncertainty surrounding travel, education, and migration plans.