Travel restrictions: Visas issued before Jan 1, 2026 remain valid – US

The United States Embassy has assured Nigerians that visas issued before January 1, 2026, will remain valid despite recent travel restrictions announced by the United States government.

The clarification follows Nigeria’s inclusion among 15 mostly African countries placed on partial travel suspensions on December 16. Other affected countries include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, and The Gambia.

In Nigeria’s case, US authorities cited the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of the country, noting that their presence poses “substantial screening and vetting difficulties”.

The US also pointed to visa overstay rates as a contributing factor, citing a 5.56 per cent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and an 11.90 per cent overstay rate for F, M, and J visas.

Under the directive, the partial suspension affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J categories — visa classes most commonly used by Nigerians, despite data showing comparatively low overstay levels.

B visas are issued for temporary visits for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2); F and M visas are for academic and vocational studies; while J visas are for exchange programmes.

January 1, 2026, has been set as the effective date for the restrictions.

In a statement released on Monday, the US Embassy clarified that the presidential proclamation does not affect immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not subject to the suspension, special immigrant visas (SIVs) for US government employees, participants in select major international sporting events, and lawful permanent residents (LPRs).

The embassy further explained that the restrictions apply only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not hold a valid visa at that time.

“No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement said.

It added that although affected applicants may continue to submit applications and schedule interviews, they may ultimately be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the United States under the new rules.