US Embassy Moves Visa Processing to Lagos from Abuja

The US Embassy in Abuja has officially stopped processing routine visa applications, directing Nigerian applicants to the US Consulate General in Lagos starting August 1, 2026. This announcement was made via a reminder on the embassy's official X account on September 8, 2026.

Applicants who had previously booked appointments at the Abuja embassy will still be accommodated, although some appointment dates may have changed. Those with valid MRV visa application fee receipts can use them to schedule new appointments at the Lagos Consulate, ensuring they do not lose any fees already paid.

This shift is part of a broader restructuring by the US Department of State to consolidate routine visa operations in designated regional hubs, with Lagos now serving as Nigeria's regional hub. The change affects both routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories, including tourist, petition-based, family preference, and employment-based visas.

The Abuja embassy remains operational for other consular services despite this realignment.