The United States Department of State has issued new rules requiring all non-immigrant visa applicants to schedule their interviews only at U.S. embassies or consulates in their country of nationality or residence.
The directive, which took effect immediately on September 6, 2025, supersedes previous guidance that permitted applicants to schedule interviews in third countries. The State Department said the move is intended to streamline visa processing and reduce global backlogs.
Under the new rules, applicants can no longer travel to other countries in search of earlier appointments, a practice common among Nigerians and other nationals facing long wait times at home. Exceptions apply only in limited cases, such as urgent humanitarian needs or foreign policy considerations.
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The Department also designated alternate embassies for nationals of countries where the U.S. has no regular visa operations. For instance, Afghans must apply in Islamabad, Belarusians in Vilnius or Warsaw, Cubans in Georgetown, Iranians in Dubai, Russians in Astana or Warsaw, Venezuelans in Bogotá, and Yemenis in Riyadh.
Officials warned that applying outside one’s home country will now attract stricter scrutiny, with no refunds for application fees if a visa is denied. Longer wait times are also expected for those who attempt to bypass the rule.
Existing appointments “will generally not be cancelled,” the Department said, noting that the new policy does not affect diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas.
The change has significant implications for Nigeria, where visa demand often outstrips supply. For years, Nigerians have sought appointments in Ghana, Cameroon, Namibia, Canada, and the Dominican Republic to avoid lengthy queues in Abuja and Lagos. Under the new directive, they must now rely solely on domestic waitlists.
