The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reassured applicants that visa and passport services will continue, despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the US government.
In a notice released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the Embassy stated:
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information. At this time, scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.”
The Embassy clarified that while its social media updates will be limited, consular operations such as visa interviews, student travel documentation, and passport processing remain unaffected for now.
The shutdown in Washington was triggered after US lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to agree on a new budget. The deadlock stems from Democratic demands for healthcare funding, which Republicans opposed.
This partial closure has forced several US federal departments and agencies to halt operations, although essential services like the military, postal service, Social Security, and food stamps will continue.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, as many as 750,000 federal workers could face unpaid furloughs daily until a funding deal is reached.
The development has sparked concern among Nigerians, especially students and business travelers, who feared that visa and consular services might be disrupted.
Since 1976, the United States has experienced 21 government shutdowns under the modern budget process. The most prolonged was the record 35-day closure during Trump’s first term nearly seven years ago.
Nigerians are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov for the latest updates on visa appointments, passport renewals, and other consular services.
