US Begins Partial Visa Ban on Nigerians From January 1, 2026
The United States has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians, set to take effect from January 1, 2026, as part of new measures to strengthen border and national security.
The US Mission in Nigeria disclosed that the restriction will commence at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the proclamation. Others include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Under the new policy, 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. The suspension also extends to immigrant visas, though with limited exceptions.
US authorities clarified that the restriction does not apply to all travellers. Exempted categories include lawful permanent residents of the United States, dual nationals applying with passports from unaffected countries, certain Special Immigrant Visa holders, and participants in designated major international sporting events. Immigrant visas for ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran are also excluded.
Officials further explained that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026. Visas issued before that date will not be revoked under the policy.
Visa applicants from affected countries may continue to submit applications and attend interviews. However, the US Mission warned that such applicants may be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new rules.
The announcement adds to growing concerns among Nigerians seeking to travel, study, or migrate to the United States. In recent months, the US has tightened immigration policies affecting Nigeria, including reducing the validity of most non-immigrant visas to single-entry visas with a three-month duration, and re-listing Nigeria over alleged religious freedom violations.
