US clarifies Abuja embassy not closing despite visa processing shake-up
The US Department of State has clarified that its embassy in Abuja is not closing, following the realignment of routine visa processing services from Nigeria and several other African countries to designated regional visa hubs.
The clarification comes after the U.S. announced changes to its visa operations across Africa, effective August 1, 2026, as part of an effort to strengthen security screening, improve efficiency and align its overseas operations with U.S. national interests.
Under the new arrangement, routine visa services in Abuja, along with those in Antananarivo, Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N’Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek, are being realigned to regional visa hubs.
However, the State Department stressed that the changes do not mean the affected diplomatic missions are shutting down.
Responding to a frequently asked question on the policy, the department said: “The realignment of routine visa processing does not change the operating status of any of the embassies and consulates or the important work they continue to conduct on behalf of the American people.”
The department said the move is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to strengthen national security and ensure government resources are used efficiently.
“President Trump is putting America and Americans first by strengthening national security, cutting government waste, and ensuring government works in the interests of the American people,” the State Department said.
It added that the department is continuously reviewing its overseas operations to advance U.S. priorities while maintaining rigorous security screening and vetting standards for visa applicants.
According to the State Department, the realignment of visa services to designated regional hubs is a long-standing practice that allows for more uniform screening, vetting and adjudication standards while improving operational efficiency.
The department said the model has already been successfully implemented in several African countries and in Europe.
From August 1, Nigerians who wish to apply for U.S. visas through the affected routine visa processing system must schedule appointments and pay the required visa fees at designated Nonimmigrant Visa Locations or Immigrant Visa Locations, depending on the type of visa they are seeking.
The changes apply to citizens and residents of countries whose routine visa processing has been transferred to regional hubs.
The State Department also noted that existing visa restrictions remain in effect, including visa suspensions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa bond requirements and immigrant visa pauses affecting certain nationalities.
Despite the changes to visa processing, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja will continue to operate and perform its diplomatic and consular functions.
The development therefore represents a shift in where routine visa applications are processed, rather than the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Vanguard News
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