US Embassy Says Selected Visa Classes Still Processed in Abuja

The US Embassy in Abuja has stressed that its decision to move routine visa processing away from the Nigerian capital did not shut down all visa services there. Applications from diplomats, official travellers and foreign media representatives remain covered under separate arrangements.

The embassy continues to process A, G and C visas, which cover diplomatic and official travel. Foreign journalists and other members of the international press can still apply under the I visa category for professional assignments in the United States.

Routine applicants, however, have been redirected to Lagos, Nigeria's designated regional visa hub. The arrangement took effect on Aug. 1, 2026, as part of a wider US effort to strengthen security screening, improve adjudication and make more efficient use of consular resources.

The clarification comes as the US administration expands screening and vetting measures across several visa categories. Foreign media representatives have also faced increased scrutiny under recent immigration policy changes, while a separate regulation scheduled for September will set fixed admission periods for foreign media entering the United States.