The United States has announced that it will impose a partial suspension on visa issuance to Nigerians starting January 1, 2026, as part of a new presidential directive focused on enhancing border and national security.
In a statement released on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria said the restriction will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the policy, alongside Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Under the proclamation, the US will partially suspend the issuance of nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas. Certain immigrant visas are also affected, although limited exemptions apply.
US authorities clarified that the restriction does not cover all travellers. Exemptions include lawful permanent residents, dual nationals travelling on passports from non-affected countries, eligible US government employees under the Special Immigrant Visa programme, and participants in selected major international sporting events. Holders of valid US visas issued before January 1, 2026, are also excluded from the ban.
The US government stressed that the measure applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not possess a valid visa at that time. Existing visas will not be revoked as a result of the proclamation.
While applicants from affected countries may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, the US Mission warned that such individuals could be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new policy.
The development adds to growing concerns among Nigerians planning to travel, study or relocate to the US. In recent months, Nigeria was re-listed by the US over alleged religious freedom violations and included in a revised travel restriction list. The US has also reduced the validity of most nonimmigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry visas lasting three months.
Although there have been reports suggesting a possible halt to certain immigrant visas, US officials have reiterated that lawful permanent residents and holders of valid visas issued before the January 1, 2026 deadline will not be affected.
