Visas issued before January 1, 2026 remain valid, US assures Nigerians after travel restrictions

The United States embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid, following concerns raised by newly announced US travel restrictions.

The clarification comes after the US government, on December 16, placed partial travel suspensions on 15 countries mostly in Africa including Nigeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, and The Gambia.

According to US authorities, Nigeria’s inclusion was based on security concerns, particularly the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of the country, which were said to pose “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.” The US also cited visa overstay rates of 5.56 percent for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 percent for F, M, and J visas.

The suspension affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 (business and tourism), F and M (academic and vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) visas categories commonly used by Nigerians. The measures are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, the US embassy clarified that the presidential proclamation does not revoke visas issued before the effective date.

“No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the embassy stated.
The embassy further explained that the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not hold a valid visa at that time.

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It also noted several exemptions, including immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the suspension, special immigrant visas (SIVs) for US government employees, lawful permanent residents, participants in certain major sporting events, and other specified categories.

While affected applicants may continue to submit visa applications and attend interviews, the embassy cautioned that such individuals may ultimately be found ineligible for visa issuance or entry into the United States under the new rules.