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US to Implement Partial Visa Restrictions on Nigeria and 18 Other Nations Starting 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, the United States will enforce a partial suspension on certain visa categories for Nigeria along with 18 additional countries. This development was officially announced through a statement published on the US Embassy and Consulates in Nigeria’s website.
Scope of the Visa Suspension
The restrictions primarily impact nonimmigrant visas such as B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M, and J visas issued to students and exchange visitors. Immigrant visas are also affected, though specific exemptions apply. Nationals from the affected countries who are outside the US on the enforcement date and lack a valid visa will be subject to these limitations.
The list of countries includes Nigeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, and Zambia.
Legal Framework and Exceptions
This partial suspension is enacted under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” While it restricts specific visa categories, the proclamation allows for exceptions such as:
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
- Dual nationals traveling on passports not subject to the suspension
- Special Immigrant Visas granted to US government employees
- Participants in major international sporting events
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States
The US Embassy emphasized that affected applicants may continue to apply for visas and schedule interviews; however, visa issuance or entry may be denied depending on individual circumstances.
Reasons Behind Nigeria’s Inclusion
Nigeria was added to the list in December 2025 due to ongoing security concerns and challenges related to immigration compliance. The US government highlighted the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, which complicate effective screening and vetting procedures.
Data from the Fiscal Year 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report revealed that Nigerian nationals had overstay rates of 5.56% for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.9% for F, M, and J visas. Additional factors influencing the decision included issues with document authenticity, identity verification difficulties, and regional instability.
Understanding the Partial Restrictions
It is important to note that Nigeria is not subject to a complete travel ban. The partial suspension affects both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories, including visitor, student, and exchange visas. However, current visa holders, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, athletes, and travelers whose visits align with US national interests remain exempt.
Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis, but family-based immigrant visa categories identified by the US as having elevated fraud risks will undergo more rigorous scrutiny. Nigerian applicants for new visas should anticipate more comprehensive background checks, extended processing times, and potentially increased denial rates.
The US government clarified that these measures are not aimed at Nigerian individuals specifically but are part of a broader security strategy affecting multiple countries.
Looking Ahead
As global security dynamics evolve, the US continues to adjust its immigration policies to balance national security with international mobility. Travelers and applicants from Nigeria and the other affected countries are advised to stay informed about updates and prepare for possible changes in visa processing timelines.
