US Embassy Cancels All Visa Appointments in Abuja Amid Possible Protests Linked to Iran Tensions
- The US Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments amid the protests trailing the unrest in Iran
- The embassy also advised US citizens in the city to remain indoors and take added precautions
- Officials have paused visa services temporarily while keeping other consular operations open in Abuja and Lagos
The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, citing the high likelihood of protests in the city.
Source: Twitter
The embassy, which disclosed this via X on Wednesday, said applicants will be contacted with instructions on how to reschedule their appointments.
The warning comes amid rising tensions over the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to the embassy, past demonstrations in Abuja have sometimes turned violent, leading to clashes between protestors and Nigerian security forces.
US citizens in the city were, however, strongly advised to stay at home on Wednesday and take extra precautions.
The embassy listed several safety measures, including avoiding crowds, monitoring local media for updates, keeping a low profile, staying alert in public places such as shopping centres, movie theaters, and places of worship, and carrying proper identification.
Emergency assistance, the embassy said, will be available through the US Embassy at +234 209 461 432, its website, and social media channels.
The embassy added that while visa services are paused, the Consular Sections in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos remain open to provide other services.
Source: Getty Images
Iran tensions: US alerts citizens in Nigeria
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the United States issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria following escalating US-Iran hostilities. The alert urged heightened vigilance due to ongoing military operations in the Middle East.
The advisory warned of potential travel disruptions linked to airspace closures and recommended that Americans enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program while following embassy guidance and security updates via official channels.
The alert followed Iran’s missile retaliation after US-Israel strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.
Read more on the US-Israel vs Iran conflict below
- Iran Hits US Embassy in Saudi Arabia in Fresh Drone Strikes, Trump Reacts
- Fresh Report Discloses What Led to Killing of Khamenei in US-Israel Strikes on Iran
- Gumi Posts Cryptic Message on What Killers of Iran’s Leader Khamenei Did “Not Once, Not Twice”
US warns citizens: Leave 15 nations immediately
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the US State Department issued an urgent advisory asking American citizens to depart 15 Middle Eastern countries amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. It cited serious safety risks and potential military threats.
The advisory advised citizens to use available commercial transportation, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates, and provide emergency contact numbers for assistance in arranging immediate evacuation from affected countries.
The warning follows targeted US-Israel airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This major strike, which prompted retaliatory missile attacks by Iran, has renewed concerns over the escalating regional conflict threatening the safety of American nationals abroad.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
