By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the suspension of visa appointments in Abuja.
The mission disclosed this through its X handle on Thursday, urging applicants to check their email for further details.
“U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.”
It also noted that visa operations at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will continue, adding that American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.
The development comes after the U.S. Mission earlier issued a travel advisory warning American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the inconsistent availability of healthcare services. It added that some areas have increased risk.
The advisory stated: “Do Not Travel” to Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
It further warned against travel to Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
It also advised reconsidering travel to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.
On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.
Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.
Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently and primarily target dual-national citizens visiting Nigeria. Americans are often perceived as wealthy and may be targeted for crime and kidnapping.
Kidnapping gangs have also been known to stop drivers on interstate roads to rob and abduct victims.
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including attacks and other related activities in Nigeria.
