U.S. Suspends Visas for 19 Countries, Including Nigeria

The U.S. government announced a significant change in its visa policy, fully suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries and imposing partial restrictions on an additional 19 countries, effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

This policy, formalized under Presidential Proclamation 10998, is primarily justified by national security concerns. Nationals from the 19 countries facing a complete visa ban include holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents.

Nigeria's inclusion in the partial restriction category is notable due to the high volume of Nigerians applying for various visa types, including tourist, student, and immigrant visas. The proclamation outlines limited exceptions, allowing entry or visa issuance for holders of diplomatic visas, lawful permanent residents, Special Immigrant Visa holders, dual nationals traveling on passports from unaffected countries, and participants in certain sporting events.