The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that all visas issued before January 1, 2026, will remain valid, amid growing concerns over newly announced U.S. travel restrictions affecting the country.
Nigeria is among 15 mostly African nations placed under partial travel suspensions by the U.S. government on December 16. Other countries listed include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon and The Gambia.
The U.S. government said the decision was informed by security concerns, citing the activities of radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of Nigeria, which it said pose “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.”
The United States also pointed to visa overstay rates as a contributing factor, reporting 5.56 percent for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 percent for F, M and J visas issued to Nigerian nationals.
Under the new policy, both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories are affected, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas, which are commonly used by Nigerians. B visas cover temporary business and tourism, F and M visas are issued to academic and vocational students, while J visas apply to exchange visitors.
The travel restrictions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the U.S. Embassy clarified that visas already issued before the effective date will not be affected.
“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 said.
The embassy further explained that the proclamation does not apply to certain categories of travellers, including immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals travelling with passports from countries not affected by the restrictions, special immigrant visa (SIV) holders who are U.S. government employees, participants in major international sporting events, and lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
According to the embassy, the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not possess a valid visa at that time.
While affected applicants may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, the embassy noted that they may ultimately be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the United States under the new rules.
