The United States has announced plans to partially halt the issuance of visas to Nigerian citizens beginning January 1, 2026.
In a statement released on Monday, December 22, the U.S. Department of State said the suspension will affect nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas. All categories of immigrant visas will also be impacted, with limited exceptions.
The move follows a new security directive issued under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
Nigeria is among several countries affected by the policy, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Titled *“Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,”* the proclamation outlines specific exemptions. These include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals using passports from non-affected countries, Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees, participants in select major international sporting events, and lawful permanent residents.
U.S. officials emphasized that the suspension applies only to individuals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026. Visas issued before that date will remain valid, and no existing visas will be revoked under the policy.
The Department of State added that applicants from affected countries may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they could be found ineligible for visa issuance or entry into the United States under the new rules.
