The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the suspension of visa appointment services at its Embassy in Abuja, directing applicants to await further communication regarding rescheduled dates.
The announcement was made on Thursday via the mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where it confirmed that visa processing in Abuja has been temporarily halted.
“U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments,” the mission stated.
However, the Mission clarified that visa services at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos remain fully operational.
“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue,” it added.
The Mission also assured that services for American citizens in Nigeria are still available in emergency situations and by appointment.
“American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment,” the statement noted.
The development comes amid heightened security concerns following a broader advisory issued by the United States government, which recently authorised the departure of non-emergency staff from its Abuja embassy.
The State Department also expanded its Nigeria travel advisory to 23 states, citing escalating risks linked to terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.
In its updated warning, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba were added to the highest-risk category, “Do Not Travel.”
Although Nigeria remains at Level 3 — “Reconsider Travel” — the advisory warned that certain regions face extreme dangers, including terrorist activity and organised criminal networks.
The report further highlighted risks to foreign nationals, noting that Americans are frequently targeted for kidnapping and robbery, while attacks can occur in public places such as markets, religious centres, hotels, and gatherings.
It also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating that many hospitals require immediate cash payments, ambulance services are unreliable, and medical infrastructure often falls below international standards.
The advisory urged U.S. citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme, maintain emergency evacuation plans, avoid large gatherings, and adopt unpredictable routines to reduce risk exposure.
It also recommended “proof of life” arrangements with family members in case of kidnapping incidents.
The expanded security classification divides affected states into regional risk zones, with parts of the North-East facing terrorism threats, the North-West grappling with banditry and kidnappings, and sections of the South-East and Niger Delta experiencing violent crime and unrest.
Authorities warned that security operations may occur without prior notice as part of ongoing counterterrorism and anti-crime efforts.
