The United States will partially suspend certain visas for Nigerian nationals starting January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998 on border and national security. The US Mission in Nigeria announced that the restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and affect Nigeria along with 18 other countries, including Angola, Benin, Cuba, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
The proclamation applies to nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visas, as well as some immigrant visas. However, exemptions include dual nationals using unaffected passports, ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution, and Special Immigrant Visas for certain U.S. government employees. Lawful permanent residents and participants in major international sporting events are also exempt.
The US Mission clarified that foreign nationals holding valid visas as of January 1, 2026, are not affected. “No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement read. Applicants may still submit applications and attend interviews, but eligibility is not guaranteed.
The move follows a series of U.S. measures affecting Nigerians seeking to travel, study, or migrate. In October, Nigeria was added back to the U.S. list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, citing persistent insecurity and attacks on Christian communities.
Nigeria was also included on a revised U.S. travel ban list imposing partial entry restrictions, while most non-immigrant visas issued earlier this year were reduced to single-entry visas valid for three months. Authorities recently clarified that holders of valid visas and lawful permanent residents remain exempt from new restrictions.
The U.S. government emphasized that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals outside the U.S. on the effective date who do not hold a valid visa. This latest restriction highlights Washington’s tightened immigration policies amid ongoing security and diplomatic concerns involving Nigerian nationals.