The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the suspension of visa appointment services at its embassy in Abuja.
The mission disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official X platform on Thursday, advising affected applicants to await further communication.
“U.S. Embassy Abuja is currently closed for visa appointments. Applicants are advised to check their email for updates regarding rescheduled dates,” the statement said.
Despite the disruption in Abuja, the mission clarified that visa processing services remain available at its Lagos office.
“Visa operations at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue without interruption,” it added.
The embassy also assured that emergency services for American citizens are still accessible.
“American citizen services will continue in cases of emergency and strictly by appointment,” the statement noted.
The move comes shortly after the United States Department of State issued a security advisory authorising the departure of non-essential staff from its Abuja mission.
In the updated advisory, the department expanded its “Do Not Travel” list in Nigeria to 23 states, citing rising concerns over insecurity.
While Nigeria retains an overall Level 3 classification—“Reconsider Travel”—the advisory warned of heightened risks in several regions due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and limited access to quality healthcare.
“U.S. citizens are frequently targeted for kidnapping and armed robbery,” the advisory stated, adding that terrorist groups continue to pose threats in public spaces such as markets, religious centres, and hotels.
The department also highlighted challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that many hospitals require upfront payment and that emergency services, including ambulances, may be unreliable.
“Medical facilities across the country often fall short of U.S. or European standards, and evacuation may be necessary in critical situations,” it said.
As part of its guidance, the department urged Americans in Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme, avoid crowded areas, and maintain flexible travel routines.
It also recommended that individuals establish “proof of life” measures with relatives in case of abduction.
States most affected by the advisory include Borno State, Yobe State, and Adamawa State, where terrorism-related threats remain high.
Other areas flagged for banditry, communal clashes, and kidnapping include Kaduna State, Katsina State, and Zamfara State.
In the South-East and Niger Delta regions, states such as Anambra State, Imo State, and Rivers State were identified as high-risk due to crime and civil unrest.
The latest update also added Plateau State, Kwara State, and Niger State to the highest warning category, with the department describing the security situation in these areas as “volatile and unpredictable.”
“The spread of insecurity into new regions, particularly in the Middle Belt, underscores the need for extreme caution,” the advisory warned.
