US Embassy Abuja still processing A, G, C visas after routine services shift
By Aboki Forex —
The United States Embassy in Abuja continues to process diplomatic and official visas under categories A, G and C, even after the suspension of routine visa services at the mission. The clarification followed the US Department of State's decision to redirect many Nigerian applicants to regional visa hubs from August 1, 2026.
Which visa categories are still available?
According to the US Mission Nigeria, the Abuja embassy will process diplomatic and official visas under three categories. A visas cover diplomats and foreign government officials travelling to the United States on official duties. G visas are for representatives of recognised international organisations and members of their official delegations. C visas apply to certain foreign government officials travelling through the United States.
The embassy advised Nigerians who believe they qualify under any of these categories to consult their relevant protocol office, which normally handles official visa matters.
What changes from August 1, 2026
The US Department of State announced changes to routine visa processing in Abuja and several other African cities. The new arrangement took effect on August 1, 2026, and affects routine visa services in cities including Abuja, Antananarivo, Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Freetown, Harare, Juba, Lusaka, Maputo, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.
The US government said the changes are aimed at strengthening security screening, improving efficiency and aligning overseas operations with US national interests. It stressed that the affected diplomatic missions are not closing. Routine visa processing is being reorganised across regional centres.
What it means for Nigerian applicants
For ordinary Nigerian applicants, the shift means a different process. Many may need to travel to a designated regional hub for routine visa services. However, eligible diplomatic and official travellers can still have their applications processed through the US Embassy in Abuja under the A, G and C categories.
The latest clarification is expected to ease uncertainty among Nigerian applicants following the announcement. It reinforces the distinction between the suspension of routine services and the continued operation of diplomatic visa services in Abuja.