Ban still on drop-box visa applications in Nigeria – US embassy

The United States embassy in Nigeria says it has not lifted the restriction placed on drop-box service or interview waiver for those renewing visas in the country.

The US State Department had recently announced the expansion of interview waiver eligibility.

Previously, only applicants whose non-immigrant visa expired within 24 months were eligible for an interview waiver but it temporarily extended the expiration period to 48 months.

However, Nigeria was removed from the waiver eligibility list in 2018 but the recent announcement was misunderstood to mean applicants from the country would now qualify.

The embassy, in a statement posted across its social media platforms on Friday, said despite media reports, the interview waiver scheme remained suspended in Nigeria.

According to the embassy, those who want to travel from Nigeria must apply for a visa and appear for an interview.

The embassy explained that each country eligibility is assessed based on numerous factors like overstay rate and visa-related fraud.

“’Drop Box’ visa processing is not available in Nigeria, according to the US mission to Nigeria,” the embassy said.

“Despite recent media reports, the non-immigrant visa interview waiver process, popularly known as the “drop box,” has been discontinued in Nigeria since 2018.

“The State Department continually evaluates each country’s eligibility based on numerous factors including overstay rates and visa-related fraud.

“The US Mission Nigeria is committed to promoting legitimate travel to the United States. All applicants who wish to apply for a visa must kindly appear for an interview.”