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US Embassy in Abuja suspends visa appointments, issues update to applicants

Published

2 weeks ago

April 9, 2026

The United States Embassy in Abuja has announced the temporary closure of its visa appointment services.

In a notice released on Thursday, the embassy advised applicants to check their email for information regarding rescheduled appointments and further instructions.

The mission clarified that visa processing will continue at the Lagos consulate, while services for American citizens remain available in emergencies and by appointment.

A resumption date for visa services in Abuja was not stated.

The announcement comes a day after the US state department, in an updated travel advisory, authorised non-emergency government employees and government employee family members to leave its embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

In the travel advisory, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added to the ‘Do not travel’ list “due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping”.

On March 29, gunmen invaded the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, killing more than 20 residents and injuring several others. The attack coincided with the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday.

On Tuesday, gunmen reportedly killed at least 20 people in several communities in Niger state and scores in Kebbi.

Earlier, Nigeria played down the urgency of the travel advisory, saying the US decision was only a “routine precaution guided by internal protocols” which does not reflect the country’s situation.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information, urged international partners to engage in “balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects the progress being made” in the security sector.