U.S. Embassy in Nigeria Centralizes Visa Services and Announces 2026 Holiday Closures

The United States has moved all regular visa processing for Nigeria to its Consulate General in Lagos, ending routine visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. Applicants from northern and central regions now face travel of over 700 kilometres, incurring additional flight, transport and lodging costs, which the State Department says will improve security and reduce administrative expenses.

The embassy and consulate also released their remaining public‑holiday schedule for 2026. Services will be closed on eight dates, including Eid‑el‑Maulud (Aug 25), U.S. Labour Day (Sep 7), Nigeria’s Independence Day (Oct 1), U.S. Columbus Day (Oct 12), Veterans Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (Nov 26), Christmas (Dec 25) and Boxing Day (Dec 26). Routine consular services will be unavailable on those days, though emergency assistance for U.S. citizens will continue.