Despite New Travel Restrictions, US Embassy Says Visas Issued Before Jan 1, 2026 Remain Valid

US embassy, Abuja

Despite New Travel Restrictions, US Embassy Says Visas Issued Before Jan 1, 2026 Remain Valid

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that US visas issued before January 1, 2026, will remain valid, despite the introduction of new US travel restrictions affecting the country.

The clarification follows concerns raised after the US government placed Nigeria among 15 countries, mostly in Africa, under partial travel suspensions on December 16. Other affected countries include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon and The Gambia.

According to US authorities, the decision was driven by security concerns, citing the activities of radical Islamist terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State, in parts of Nigeria. The US government said these conditions pose “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.”

Visa overstay rates were also cited as a factor. US officials disclosed that Nigeria recorded a 5.56 per cent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M and J visas.

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Under the new policy, the partial travel suspension affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories commonly used by Nigerians. These include B-1 visas (business), B-2 visas (tourism), B-1/B-2 combined visas, F and M student visas, and J exchange visitor visas. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

In a statement released on Monday, the US Embassy in Abuja explained that the proclamation does not apply to certain categories of travellers. Exemptions include dual nationals travelling with passports from unaffected countries, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), special immigrant visa (SIV) holders who worked for the US government, participants in major international sporting events, and some immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.

The embassy stressed that the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid visa.

“No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the embassy said.

While affected applicants may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, the embassy cautioned that such applicants could be found ineligible for visa issuance or entry into the United States under the new rules.