The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that the relocation of routine US visa processing from Abuja to Lagos will not affect the operations of the US Embassy in Abuja.
The clarification followed an announcement by the US Department of State that routine visa services in Abuja and several other African cities would be transferred to designated regional visa hubs from August 1, 2026.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria said the adjustment applied only to routine visa processing and did not mean the closure of the embassy.
«“The realignment of routine visa processing does not change the operating status of any of the embassies and consulates or the important work they continue to conduct on behalf of the American people,” the mission said.»
The US Department of State said the move was aimed at strengthening national security, improving efficiency and ensuring more consistent visa screening, vetting and adjudication procedures across the region.
Under the new arrangement, Nigerian applicants seeking routine US visas are expected to process their applications through the designated regional visa hub in Lagos.
The affected services include both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Nonimmigrant categories include tourist and business visas, as well as petition-based visas, while immigrant services include family-based, employment-based, fiancé(e), adoption, Diversity Visa and certain refugee and asylee cases.
The State Department stressed that the change does not affect currently valid US visas.
Applicants who had already scheduled appointments at locations where routine visa services were discontinued were advised to check their emails for further instructions.
The department also stated that applicants who had paid visa fees at affected locations were required to schedule their appointments at designated posts within the specified deadline.
Despite the relocation of routine visa processing, the US Embassy in Abuja will continue to operate and perform its diplomatic and consular responsibilities.
The US Mission also noted that other measures, including visa suspensions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa bond requirements and certain immigrant visa pauses, remain in effect.
Key point: The US Embassy in Abuja is not closing. Only routine visa processing has been shifted from Abuja to the regional visa hub in Lagos.