U.S. Suspends Visa Appointments in Abuja

The United States Embassy in Abuja has suspended all visa appointments and asked applicants to monitor their email for new dates.

In a notice posted on its official X account, the embassy said visa services in Abuja are currently closed, while operations continue at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

It added that services for American citizens will still be available in emergencies and by appointment.

The notice. Credit: U.S. Mission Nigeria/X

“U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments,” the notice read.

“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment. pic.twitter.com/BO45qePlRs

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) April 9, 2026

The development follows a recent U.S. State Department decision dated April 8 authorising the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff and family members from Abuja.

The move was linked to growing security concerns, including risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.