US To Stop Routine Visa Services In Abuja, 24 Other African Cities

The United States will stop routine visa services at its embassy in Abuja starting August 1, 2026, as part of a restructuring of 25 diplomatic missions across Africa.

According to the US Department of State, the decision aims to strengthen national security, cut spending, and centralize visa processing through designated regional hubs.

Following the adjustment, Nigerian applicants who previously used the embassy in Abuja for routine non-immigrant and immigrant visa processing will now need to apply through the US Consulate in Lagos or another approved regional hub.

The department clarified that affected embassies will remain open for general diplomatic duties and consular assistance to US citizens, adding that all previously issued valid visas remain unaffected by the change.