ABUJA, Nigeria — The United States Mission in Nigeria has officially announced the suspension of all visa appointments at its embassy located in the capital city of Abuja. The decision, communicated via the mission’s official social media channels on Thursday, April 9, 2026, comes at a time of heightened security warnings from the American government regarding the safety situation within the federal government of Nigeria.
While the embassy in Abuja has halted visa processing, the United States Consulate General in Lagos remains fully operational for visa services. American citizens requiring emergency assistance in Abuja can still access services by appointment. Applicants who had scheduled interviews in the capital have been advised to monitor their electronic mail for information regarding rescheduled dates.
Okay News reports that this operational shift follows a major security advisory issued earlier in the week by the United States Department of State. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the department authorized the departure of non-emergency government employees and their families from Abuja. Additionally, the travel blacklist for Nigeria was expanded to include 23 states, with Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba being added to the “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category.
The broader travel advisory maintains a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” rating for the country, citing risks from terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The Department of State warned that American citizens are often perceived as wealthy targets for criminal gangs. Furthermore, the advisory highlighted that medical facilities in the country generally do not meet the standards of the United States or Europe, and emergency services such as ambulances are often unreliable.
The expanded “Do Not Travel” list now covers various regions. Terrorism remains a primary concern in Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa. Meanwhile, states such as Kaduna, Kano, and Zamfara are flagged for widespread banditry and kidnapping. In the south, states including Abia, Anambra, and Delta remain under caution due to armed gangs and violent protests. The embassy continues to urge its citizens to maintain evacuation plans and establish “proof of life” protocols with their families.
