Published: July 31, 2026
By: SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Category: Travel | International
ABUJA, Nigeria — The United States government has designated its Consulate in Lagos as the sole centre for routine visa processing in Nigeria, bringing such services at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to an end from August 1, 2026.
The decision is part of a broader restructuring of U.S. consular operations across Africa aimed at strengthening national security, improving operational efficiency and ensuring more consistent visa screening and adjudication standards.
Under the new arrangement, all Nigerian citizens and residents applying for U.S. visas will be required to schedule appointments and pay visa application fees through the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the policy aligns with a continent-wide realignment of visa operations into regional processing hubs as part of the U.S. government’s evolving immigration and security priorities.
Despite the suspension of routine visa services in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy will remain fully operational and continue to provide diplomatic services, consular assistance to American citizens and other official functions.
The restructuring also affects 24 other U.S. embassies and consulates across Africa, with routine visa services being transferred to designated regional centres.
The U.S. government clarified that visas already issued remain valid and are not affected by the new policy.
Applicants seeking new U.S. visas are advised to complete all future visa processing through the U.S. Consulate in Lagos beginning August 1.
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