The United States Embassy in Abuja has suspended all visa appointments following a new travel advisory that cited worsening security conditions in Nigeria.
In a notice posted Thursday on the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s official X account, the embassy informed applicants of the development and advised them to monitor their emails for updates on rescheduled interview dates.
The statement reads: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.
“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”
The decision came shortly after the U.S. Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families from the Abuja embassy, citing a worsening security
In the updated advisory, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
Nigeria was placed under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states were categorized under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” classification.
The advisory specifically cautioned U.S. citizens against visiting Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern parts of Adamawa State, citing threats related to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Other states listed in the warning included Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, which were highlighted for risks associated with unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
Reacting to the advisory, the Federal Government of Nigeria described the U.S. travel warning as “unbalanced,” urging international partners to ensure their assessments reflect more accurate and current security realities in the country.
