The United States will begin a partial suspension of certain visas for Nigerian nationals from January 1, 2026, as part of new border and national security measures under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
The US Mission in Nigeria announced on Monday that the restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The proclamation, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” affects Nigeria and 18 other countries.
Under the directive, the issuance of nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, will be partially suspended. Some immigrant visa categories are also affected, though limited exemptions apply.
Exemptions include dual nationals travelling with passports from unaffected countries, lawful permanent residents of the United States, eligible holders of Special Immigrant Visas, and participants in certain major international sporting events. Immigrant visas for ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran are also exempted.
The suspension applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not already possess a valid US visa. The US Mission clarified that visas issued before January 1, 2026, will not be revoked under the proclamation.
While Nigerians may continue to apply for visas and attend interviews, applicants could be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry into the US under the new rules.
The move follows recent US actions affecting Nigeria, including its re-designation for religious freedom concerns and inclusion in a revised travel restriction list.
