The United States will begin a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians from January 1, 2026, under a new presidential proclamation focused on border and national security. The restriction takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and targets several visa categories. The announcement has heightened uncertainty for Nigerians planning to travel, study, or migrate to the US.
The US Mission in Nigeria confirmed the development on Monday, citing Presidential Proclamation 10998, which limits entry for nationals of 19 countries. Alongside Nigeria, the affected countries include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others.
Under the proclamation, the US will partially suspend the issuance of nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas. Certain immigrant visa categories are also affected, though limited exceptions apply. US authorities stressed that the policy is selective, not a total ban.
The restriction applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not already hold a valid US visa. Officials clarified that visas issued before January 1, 2026, will remain valid and will not be revoked under the new order.
Several exemptions were outlined. Lawful permanent residents of the United States are not affected. Dual nationals traveling with passports from non-listed countries are also exempt. Special Immigrant Visa holders, including eligible US government employees, and individuals participating in select major international sporting events are excluded from the suspension. Additional exemptions cover certain persecuted ethnic and religious minorities.
Visa applicants from Nigeria may still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, the US Mission warned that applicants could ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new rules.
The move follows a series of recent US actions affecting Nigerians. In October, Washington redesignated Nigeria on its religious freedom watch list, citing ongoing insecurity. Earlier policy changes also reduced the validity of most nonimmigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry, three-month permits.
While US officials maintain that the measure is driven by security concerns, the decision has deepened anxiety among Nigerians, particularly students and families with migration plans. With implementation weeks away, attention is now focused on how broadly the rules will be enforced and whether diplomatic engagement could soften their impact.
