The United States embassy in Nigeria has moved to calm fears over new travel restrictions, confirming that all visas issued before January 1, 2026 will remain valid.
The clarification comes after Nigeria was listed among 15 countries — mostly in Africa — facing partial suspensions announced by Washington on December 16.
The restrictions, which cover both immigrant and non‑immigrant categories, were justified on grounds of “substantial screening and vetting difficulties” linked to the presence of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of Nigeria.
The U.S. government also cited high visa overstay rates, noting that 5.56 percent of Nigerians overstayed B‑1/B‑2 visas and 11.90 percent overstayed student and exchange visas (F, M, and J categories).
Who Is Affected and Who Is Exempt
The suspension applies to popular visa types used by Nigerians:
- B‑1/B‑2 visas for business and tourism.
- F and M visas for academic and vocational students.
- J visas for exchange visitors.
However, the embassy stressed that the proclamation does not affect certain groups. Exemptions include:
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
- Dual nationals holding passports from unaffected countries.
- Special immigrant visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees.
- Participants in major sporting events.
- Lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
Importantly, the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals outside the U.S. on the effective date who do not hold a valid visa.
“No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the embassy confirmed.
Implications for Nigerians
The U.S. is one of the most sought‑after destinations for students, professionals, and tourists.
The suspension of student and exchange visas could disrupt academic plans for thousands of Nigerians, while tighter scrutiny on business and tourism visas may affect diaspora families and entrepreneurs.
Nigeria’s inclusion in the list is part of U.S. concerns about security and immigration compliance. The country has one of the largest African student populations in American universities and overstay rates have long been a point of contention in bilateral relations.
Despite the restrictions, visa applicants subject to the proclamation may still apply and schedule interviews, though they risk being deemed ineligible for issuance or admission.
The embassy’s assurance that existing visas remain valid offers some relief, but the new rules highlight the growing challenges Nigerians face in global mobility.
Nigeria is not alone. Other African nations affected include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and The Gambia.
As 2026 approaches, the green Nigerian passport — already ranked low in global mobility indices — faces fresh hurdles, making dual citizenship and alternative destinations increasingly attractive for the diaspora.
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