US Gov't Clarifies Validity of Visas Issued before January 1 after Imposing Restrictions on Nigeria
- The US Embassy in Nigeria has clarified that visas issued before January 1, 2026 remained valid despite the newly announced partial travel suspensions
- US authorities cited security concerns and visa overstay data as reasons Nigeria was included and stressed that the policy was not retroactive
- The embassy reassured Nigerians that affected applicants could still apply and attend interviews, although some may face ineligibility after the effective date
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has moved to calm anxiety among travelers by confirming that visas granted before January 1, 2026 will remain valid despite newly announced travel restrictions affecting Nigeria and other countries.
The clarification followed widespread concern after the US government placed Nigeria on a list of 15 countries facing partial travel suspensions.
Source: Getty Images
The decision, announced on December 16, affected mostly African and Caribbean nations, including Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.
US embassy explains Nigeria travel restrictions
US authorities said Nigeria’s inclusion was based on security and immigration concerns. The embassy referenced the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of the country, noting that their operations created serious challenges for screening and vetting processes.
Visa compliance data also featured in the assessment. Officials cited an overstay rate of 5.56 percent for B-1 and B-2 visitor visas and 11.90 percent for F, M, and J visas, which cover students and exchange visitors. These figures were listed among the factors that influenced the policy decision.
Source: Getty Images
Under the proclamation, both immigrant and non-immigrant visa routes were affected. The impacted categories included B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, which are commonly used by Nigerians for business, tourism, education, and exchange programmes. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
The embassy, however, stressed that the measures were not retroactive and would not invalidate previously issued travel documents.
US embassy issues reassurance
In a statement issued on Monday, the US Embassy explained that the proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not hold a valid visa at that time.
“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 reads.
The embassy also outlined exemptions. These included lawful permanent residents, dual nationals travelling with passports from unaffected countries, special immigrant visa holders linked to US government service, participants in select international sporting events, and certain categories of immigrants facing persecution.
While applicants covered by the restrictions may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, the embassy noted that they could be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry once the policy takes effect.
2 main reasons US gov't suspended Nigerians
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Donald Trump had disclosed two security and compliance reasons behind the decision to place Nigeria on a fresh list of countries facing new United States travel restrictions, following the signing of a proclamation that tightens entry rules for nationals of several nations deemed high risk.
The proclamation, signed on Tuesday, December 16, expanded existing US travel controls to cover 15 additional countries, with Nigeria among those subjected to partial restrictions.
Source: Legit.ng
