The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the suspension of visa appointments at its Embassy in Abuja.

The mission disclosed this in a statement shared on its official X handle on Thursday, advising affected applicants to monitor their emails for updates.

“U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments,” the statement read.

However, the mission clarified that visa services at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos remain fully operational.

“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue,” it added, noting that services for American citizens are still available in emergencies and by appointment.

The development comes against the backdrop of a broader security advisory issued by the United States government, which approved the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Abuja.

The U.S. State Department also revised its travel advisory on Nigeria, placing additional states under its highest warning category, “Do Not Travel.”

While Nigeria remains on Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” the department cautioned that certain areas are confronted with elevated risks, including criminal activities, terrorism, civil disturbances, kidnapping, and poor access to healthcare services.

The department said the advisory level and core risk indicators, crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and health, remain unchanged, but the updated summary reflects evolving embassy operations and broader geographic restrictions.

The State Department warned of widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, assault and rape, alongside frequent cases of kidnapping for ransom, roadside banditry and hostage-taking. It noted that Americans are often perceived as wealthy and are therefore prime targets.

The advisory further cautioned that terrorist groups could carry out attacks with little or no warning, targeting public spaces such as shopping centres, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, schools, government buildings and transport hubs.

It also highlighted concerns over limited healthcare capacity, warning that medical services in Nigeria may not meet U.S. or European standards.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Nigeria were advised to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain a low profile, vary daily routines, avoid demonstrations, and develop personal security and evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

The department also urged vigilance at financial institutions, close monitoring of local media, and the establishment of a “proof of life” protocol with family members in case of kidnapping.

It added that travel advisories are regularly reviewed and may be updated as security conditions or embassy operations evolve, encouraging travellers to monitor official updates and remain alert.
By Abisola Adigun
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