ABUJA — The United States has issued a new directive stopping Nigerians from scheduling visa interviews in embassies or consulates outside Nigeria, except in rare cases.
The policy update, announced by the U.S. Department of State on September 6, mandates that Nigerian applicants for non-immigrant visas (NIV) must book appointments only at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos.
Previously, many Nigerians opted to process their applications in other countries to bypass long wait times in Nigeria. The new rules, however, now make that option unavailable — a shift that also applies to applicants from other nations.
“Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated its instructions for all non-immigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments,” the directive stated. “Applicants for U.S. non-immigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.”
The State Department added that those applying outside their home country may face tougher scrutiny and longer wait times. “Applicants who schedule interviews outside their country of nationality or residence might find it more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded or transferred,” the directive warned.
The policy further noted that existing appointments would generally not be cancelled, while humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy exceptions may still be considered.
The new guidance does not affect applicants for diplomatic, official, or NATO visas, nor those covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement.
With this change, Nigerians seeking U.S. visas will now have to contend with Abuja and Lagos as their only processing options, where long appointment backlogs remain a persistent challenge.
