The United States will partially suspend visa issuance to Nigerian nationals and citizens of 18 other countries beginning January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998 signed by President Donald Trump on December 16.

The measure, announced by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, cites national security concerns and deficiencies in vetting processes.

The suspension affects nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 (business/tourism) visas, F/M (student) visas, J (exchange visitor) visas, and all immigrant visas, with limited exceptions.

The countries impacted are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Key Provisions:

• The suspension applies only to foreign nationals outside the U.S. on the effective date who do not already hold valid visas.
• Existing visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid and will not be revoked.
• Applicants may still submit forms and attend interviews but risk being found ineligible.
• Exceptions include immigrant visas for persecuted minorities from Iran, dual nationals traveling on non-restricted passports, Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees, participants in major sporting events, and lawful permanent residents.

The proclamation expands earlier restrictions from June 2025 (Proclamation 10949), adding 15 countries based on overstay rates, information-sharing issues, and security risks. Nigeria’s inclusion was linked to a 5.56% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90% for F/M/J visas, alongside ongoing concerns about extremist groups such as Boko Haram.

Observers note the move as part of Trump’s broader tightening of immigration and security policies. Nigerians and other affected nationals are advised to monitor updates via travel.state.gov and U.S. embassy announcements.