The United States has announced a partial suspension of the issuance of specific visa categories to Nigerian citizens, set to take effect from January 1, 2026, following a new presidential directive focused on border control and national security.
In a statement released on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria said the restriction will commence at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
The mission confirmed that Nigeria is one of 19 countries impacted by the policy.
Other affected nations are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The proclamation introduces a partial halt to visa issuance, affecting nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas. Certain immigrant visas are also covered under the suspension, though limited exemptions apply.
US officials emphasised that the measure does not apply to all applicants.
Exempted categories include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not listed in the suspension, and Special Immigrant Visas for qualifying US government employees.
Lawful permanent residents of the United States and individuals participating in selected major international sporting events are also excluded from the restrictions.
The US Mission further explained that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not possess a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026.
“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement said.
Applicants from countries affected by the suspension may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews. However, the mission cautioned that such individuals “may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States” under the new guidelines.
In recent weeks, the United States has rolled out several restrictive policies that have raised concerns among Nigerians seeking to travel, study, or relocate to the country.
In October, Nigeria was re-listed by Washington among countries accused of breaching religious freedom, a decision officials linked to ongoing insecurity and attacks on Christian communities.
This development was followed by Nigeria’s inclusion on an updated US travel ban list, which imposed partial entry restrictions on Nigerian nationals.
Additionally, US immigration and visa rules affecting Nigerians have been tightened. Earlier this year, the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry permits valid for three months.
More recently, reports suggested that applications for certain immigrant visas, including green cards, could face suspension under a new presidential order. US authorities, however, clarified that lawful permanent residents and holders of valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain exempt and will not have their status withdrawn.