KEY POINTS
- The US moved routine nonimmigrant visa services in Abuja to regional hubs from August 1, 2026.
- The change affects tourist, business-related and petition-based nonimmigrant visa applications.
- Nigerian applicants may now use a designated regional hub and should check the latest State Department instructions.
The US Department of State has realigned routine visa services in Nigeria and several other African countries, shifting them to regional visa hubs. The US Mission in Nigeria said the change covers routine visa operations in Abuja, and it named three categories of nonimmigrant services that the move affects.
The three affected categories
According to the mission, the realignment covers all routine nonimmigrant visa services. Specifically, it names tourist visa applications, business-related visa applications and petition-based nonimmigrant visas. Moreover, the change touches travellers heading to the United States for tourism, business and other temporary purposes.
Still, the department stressed that nonimmigrant visas cover a broad range of temporary entry, including tourism, business, study and work. Therefore, many Nigerian applicants who once used Abuja may now route their applications through a designated regional hub, depending on the visa type and their circumstances. It advised applicants to confirm the right location before they book or pay.
Why the change and what to do
The State Department said it moved the services to strengthen national security, improve efficiency and apply more consistent screening and adjudication. Furthermore, it framed the shift as a long-standing practice, noting that regional hubs already operate in several African countries and in Europe. It added that it regularly reviews its overseas operations to keep screening and vetting rigorous, and that the change would not lower those standards.
The realignment took effect on August 1, 2026, and it also covers around two dozen cities, including Bamako, Cotonou, Harare, Lusaka, Niamey and Windhoek. Consequently, citizens and residents of the affected countries must now book appointments and pay fees at the right designated location. In addition, the mission urged applicants to check the latest instructions from the State Department before they schedule a visit or make any payment, since the correct hub can vary by case.
