LAGOS – The United States will stop routine visa services at its Embassy in Abuja from August 1, 2026, directing all Nigerian applicants to the Consulate in Lagos as the new regional hub. This affects both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria said the change are part of a continent-wide realignment, to Strengthen national security.
“The U.S. Department of State is realigning visa operations in Africa to regional hubs as part of a long-standing practice that strengthens national security by promoting more uniform screening, vetting, and adjudication standards, as well as improving efficiency and adjusting to shifting U.S. immigration policy priorities and objectives.” U.S Mission in Nigeria posted Friday on X.
“Effective August 1, 2026, several U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Africa will no longer be offering routine visa services, including U.S. Embassy Abuja.”
Twenty-five African posts, including Abuja, will lose routine services while 20 regional hubs like Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi gain them. The move aims to strengthen national security through uniform vetting and boost efficiency.
The Trump administration’s policy consolidates resources amid shifting immigration priorities. Affected posts will continue American Citizen Services.
Nigerians outside Lagos face added travel costs and logistics. Existing visas remain valid, and current appointees should check emails for guidance.
Similar hub models already operate successfully in Africa and Europe. Visa fees paid for discontinued posts require prompt rescheduling to avoid issues.
The realignment impacts thousands in Nigeria, one of Africa’s highest-volume U.S. visa applicants.
