The United States Embassy in Nigeria has restated that visa restrictions affecting Nigerians will take effect from January 1, 2026, in line with an existing presidential directive.
In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the embassy reminded applicants that the policy is enforced under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which aims to limit the entry of certain foreign nationals to protect US national security.
According to the embassy, the directive places a partial suspension on the issuance of non-immigrant visas to Nigerian nationals, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F and M student visas, and J exchange visitor visas. The restriction also applies to immigrant visas.
The policy, first announced on December 19, 2025, affects citizens of 19 countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Senegal, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, among others.
However, the US government outlined several exemptions. These include visas for dual nationals using passports from non-affected countries, Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees, lawful permanent residents, participants in select international sporting events, and certain persecuted minorities.
The embassy advised intending applicants to carefully review the restrictions and exemptions as the policy fully comes into force in January 2026.