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Since 1 January 2026, the United States has partly suspended the issue of visas to Nigerian citizens. Most guides about “why a US tourist visa was denied” were written before this and no longer describe the situation. This page explains what has changed, which visa types are affected, what still works, and how a normal refusal is decided. Because the rules are changing, confirm every point on the official U.S. Mission Nigeria website and on travel.state.gov before you apply or pay any fee.
What has changed
A presidential proclamation issued on 16 December 2025 (Proclamation 10998) restricts entry for Nigerian nationals who are outside the United States and do not hold a valid visa on 1 January 2026. Visas issued before the restriction were not revoked. The proclamation is reviewed periodically, so it can be changed or lifted.
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| Visa type | Position for Nigerians (as reported) |
|---|---|
| Tourist and business (B-1/B-2) | Suspended for new applicants |
| Student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) | Suspended for new applicants. The U.S. Mission stated in February 2026 that people who already hold valid F-1 and J-1 visas are not affected |
| Immigrant visas (family, employment, diversity) | Suspended |
| Work categories such as H-1B, L-1 and O-1 | Not suspended, but vetting is stricter and visas are generally single-entry and short-validity |
| Exempt groups | Includes green card holders, dual nationals who travel on another non-restricted passport, and certain special immigrant visa holders |
The details of the exemptions are set out in the proclamation and in the guidance from the State Department.
Other changes to watch
- Visa bonds: Nigeria has been reported on the State Department’s list of countries whose B-1/B-2 applicants may be asked to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. Check the official bond page for the current status.
- Where visas are processed: routine visa processing for Nigerian applicants has been reported as moving to the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos from 1 August 2026.
- Scam risk: people are advertising “special slots” and “guaranteed approvals” because of the shortage of appointments. No agent can guarantee a visa or an exemption. Book only through the official appointment system.
What to do now
- Check your category. Find out if your visa type is suspended or exempt.
- If you already hold a valid visa, keep it valid and carry the supporting documents for your trip. It was not revoked.
- If you are suspended, do not pay appointment fees that you cannot get back. Wait for official guidance, or consider other destinations.
- If you travel on a work category, prepare for extra vetting and plan for a single-entry visa.
- Check again before you apply. This situation can change at any time.
If your trip cannot wait, you might consider other places that Nigerians can reach with a visa. Our Schengen visa guide, Australia visitor visa guide and Canada study permit guide are good places to start.
How a US tourist visa is normally decided
When a visa is available, most B-2 refusals happen under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It says every applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant unless they show otherwise. The officer is judging one question: will you return home after your visit?
| Area | What the officer looks for |
|---|---|
| Ties to Nigeria | Job, business, property, family, school |
| Purpose | A clear, believable reason that matches your documents |
| Funds | Enough money for the trip, with a source that makes sense |
| Consistency | Your DS-160 form, your interview answers and your documents agree |
| Travel history | Past travel and compliance with visas help, but are not required |
There is no fixed daily amount that guarantees approval, and no official refusal percentage that applies to your case. Each application is judged on its own facts. A refusal under 214(b) does not bar you, but you must answer “yes” to the refusal question on future forms, and a new application should show what has changed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for a US tourist visa from Nigeria?
New B-1/B-2 visas are suspended for Nigerian citizens, unless you fall under an exemption. Check the official U.S. Mission page for the current position.
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Was my existing US visa cancelled?
Visas issued before the restriction were not revoked. They stay valid until they expire, subject to normal entry checks.
Can an agent get me around the suspension?
No. Anyone who promises that is likely running a scam.
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