The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all scheduled visa appointments, asking applicants to check their emails for updates on rescheduled dates.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the Embassy said visa services would continue at its Consulate General in Lagos, while American citizen services in Abuja remain available strictly by appointment or in emergencies.
The decision follows a directive by the United States Department of State authorising non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory, the Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory maintained Nigeria at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating some states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest warning level.
“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the statement said.
It added that Americans should reconsider travel due to “crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services,” noting that some areas carry heightened risks.
States listed under the “Do Not Travel” category include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa in the North, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
The advisory also highlighted Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states for elevated risks linked to unrest, crime, and kidnapping.
