U.S. new security-driven proclamation limits tourist, student and some immigrant visas for Nigerians and citizens of 18 other countries, with exemptions.
United States will begin a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian citizens on January 1, 2026, under a new presidential proclamation aimed at tightening border controls and strengthening national security.
U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced Monday December 22, 2025, that the restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by the measure. The others include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Under the proclamation, U.S. authorities will partially suspend the issuance of nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas for business and tourism, as well as F, M and J visas for students and exchange visitors. Certain categories of immigrant visas will also be restricted, though limited exceptions apply.
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U.S. officials stressed that the policy does not amount to a blanket ban. Several groups are exempt, including lawful permanent residents of the United States, dual nationals traveling on passports from countries not covered by the suspension, and recipients of Special Immigrant Visas who have worked for the U.S. government. Participants in select major international sporting events are also excluded.
In addition, the proclamation does not apply to foreign nationals who already hold valid U.S. visas as of the effective date. The State Department said no visas issued before January 1, 2026, will be revoked as a result of the new rules.
Applicants from affected countries may continue to submit visa applications and attend interviews. However, the U.S. Mission cautioned that such applicants could ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or admission under the proclamation.
The move adds to growing uncertainty for many Nigerians seeking to travel, study or relocate to the United States. In recent years, Washington has raised concerns over security cooperation, identity management and immigration compliance involving several countries, including Nigeria.
In October 2025, the United States reinstated Nigeria on its religious freedom watch list, citing ongoing insecurity and attacks on Christian communities. Earlier this year, U.S. authorities also reduced the validity of most nonimmigrant visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry permits lasting three months.
The latest proclamation underscores a broader shift toward stricter U.S. immigration policies, signaling heightened scrutiny for travelers from countries deemed to present elevated security or compliance risks.
