The United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has announced a partial suspension of U.S. visa issuance for nationals of Nigeria and 18 other countries, effective January 1, 2026. The policy, issued under Presidential Proclamation 10998, is intended to "restrict and limit the entry of foreign nationals to protect the security of the United States," taking effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on the designated date.

The suspension impacts nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas. Immigrant visas are also affected, though with specific exceptions. The 19 countries included in this partial suspension are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Certain categories of applicants will be exempt from the suspension, including immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports of countries not subject to the suspension, Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for eligible U.S. government employees, participants in major sporting events, and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).

The U.S. Embassy clarified that Presidential Proclamation 10998 applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, without a valid U.S. visa at that time. Nationals already holding valid visas as of 12:01 a.m. EST on the effective date will not be affected. No visas issued prior to the policy’s implementation will be revoked. Applicants subject to the proclamation may still submit applications and schedule interviews, but authorities cautioned they may ultimately be found ineligible for visa issuance or U.S. admission.