Visa Services To Continue Despite US Govt Shutdown, Embassy Assures Nigerians

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that visa and passport services will not be disrupted despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. government.

In a notice shared on its official X handle on Wednesday, the embassy explained that while its social media platforms would not be updated regularly until government funding is restored, consular operations remain active.

“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the statement read.

“At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits,” the embassy added.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns among Nigerians that the shutdown in America could disrupt student travel, visa applications, and other consular services.

The shutdown began after the U.S. Congress failed to reach an agreement on a new budget. The deadlock stems from disagreements over healthcare funding, which Democrats pushed for and Republicans opposed.

Defending the shutdown, President Donald Trump argued that it would help curb programmes linked to Democratic priorities.

Although several federal departments and agencies have suspended operations, essential services, including the military, postal service, Social Security, and food stamps, will continue.

However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that as many as 750,000 federal employees could be laid off without pay daily until a funding deal is reached.

This is the first government shutdown since the record 35-day closure nearly seven years ago, during Trump’s first term. Since the modern budget process was introduced in 1976, the U.S. has experienced 21 shutdowns.

The embassy advised Nigerians to visit travel.state.gov for the latest updates on visa appointments, passport processing, and other consular services.