Di United States government don announce say e go partially suspend issuance of some visa types to Nigerians starting from January 1, 2026. Dis decision follow new Presidential Proclamation 10998, wey dey focus on border control and national security.
According to statement from US Mission in Nigeria, di suspension go start by 12:01am Eastern Standard Time on di effective date. Nigeria dey among 19 countries wey di policy go affect.
Other countries include Angola, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal, Tanzania, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and several others.
Which Visa Categories Go Dey Affected
Di new rule go affect both non-immigrant and immigrant visas. For non-immigrant visas, di suspension cover B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J visas wey students and exchange visitors dey use.
For immigrant visas, di suspension also apply, but with some limited exemptions.
US authorities stress say dis na partial suspension, not total ban, and e no apply to everybody.
Who Get Exemption Under Di New Rule
Di US Mission clarify say some categories of people no go dey affected by di proclamation. Exempted groups include lawful permanent residents of the United States, dual nationals wey dey apply with passport from country wey no dey affected, and Special Immigrant Visa holders wey work with US government.
Also exempted na people wey dey apply for immigrant visas based on ethnic or religious persecution in Iran, plus participants for certain major international sporting events.
Importantly, anybody wey already get valid US visa before January 1, 2026 no go lose am.
What About Nigerians With Valid Visas?
Di US government make am clear say di proclamation no go revoke any visa wey don already issue. Nigerians wey get valid US visa before di effective date still fit travel normally.
Di restriction go only apply to foreign nationals wey dey outside the US as of January 1, 2026, and wey no get valid visa by that date.
Visa applicants still fit submit applications and attend interviews, but di US Mission warn say dem fit still be declared ineligible under di new rules.
Growing US Restrictions Raise Concerns
For recent months, US don introduce several immigration measures wey don cause worry for many Nigerians wey dey plan to travel, study or relocate.
Earlier dis year, di US reduce di validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry visas valid for just three months. Nigeria also recently re-enter di US list of countries accused of religious freedom violations.
Di visa suspension come after Nigeria inclusion for revised US travel restriction list, adding to growing uncertainty around US-Nigeria travel relations.
What Nigerians Need to Know Going Forward
While di suspension no be total ban, Nigerians wey plan to travel to di US from 2026 need to monitor updates carefully, confirm eligibility, and make sure dem apply early if dem qualify under any exemption.
US authorities insist say di policy na security-based and no targeted only at Nigeria, but di impact on Nigerian travellers go still be significant.
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