US Embassy suspends routine visa services in Abuja, moves processing to Lagos

The United States Embassy in Abuja has discontinued the processing of routine visa applications, directing applicants to the US Consulate General in Lagos for such services.

The change, according to the latest visa advisory issued by the US authorities, took effect on August 1, 2026.

Under the new arrangement, routine visa services in Nigeria are now available only at the US Consulate General in Lagos.

However, applicants who had already secured appointments at the Abuja embassy before the change will still be attended to, although some appointment dates may have been moved.

The embassy advised affected applicants to monitor their email accounts for notifications containing details of any new appointment dates.

“Routine visa services are only available at Consulate General Lagos. Effective August 1, 2026, U.S. Embassy Abuja no longer processes routine visa applications. All applicants who already have scheduled appointments will be honored; however, those dates may have been rescheduled. Those with appointments in Abuja should check their email for their new appointment date,” the advisory stated.

The US authorities further clarified that applicants who have an unused and valid MRV visa application fee receipt can use the receipt to book a fresh appointment at the Lagos consulate.

The development means Nigerians seeking routine US visa services will now be required to make arrangements to process their applications through the Lagos consulate.

Applicants have also been advised to consult the official US visa appointment website for updated information on available visa services, locations and operating hours.