December 23, (THEWILL) — The United States Government has reassured Nigerians and nationals of other affected countries that holders of valid U.S. visas will not be impacted by the new visa restrictions announced under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which takes effect on January 1, 2026.
In a clarification issued by the U.S. Department of State, the visa policy—scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026—will involve a partial suspension of visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries, including Nigeria, in line with efforts to protect U.S. national security.
The affected countries are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
According to the Department of State, the suspension covers nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all immigrant visas, subject to limited and clearly defined exceptions.
Crucially, U.S. authorities stressed that the proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid visa at that time. The government further clarified that no visas issued before January 1, 2026, have been or will be revoked as a result of the policy.
“Foreign nationals, including those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998,” the Department stated, providing reassurance to thousands of Nigerians who currently possess valid U.S. visas.
The policy also outlines several exemptions, including Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders), dual nationals traveling on passports of countries not subject to the suspension, Special Immigrant Visa holders who are U.S. government employees, and participants in certain major international sporting events. Additionally, immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran are exempted.
While visa applicants from the affected countries may continue to submit applications and schedule interviews, the Department cautioned that such applicants may be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission under the new rules.
The clarification is expected to ease concerns among Nigerians, students, business travellers, and families, as it confirms that existing travel and residency rights remain protected ahead of the January 2026 implementation date.
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