US embassy in Nigeria suspends visa interview waiver

The United States embassy in Nigeria has indefinitely suspended the visa interview waiver for those renewing visas in the country.

According to a statement released by the embassy on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the dropbox application process has been suspended effective immediately.

Before the suspension, Nigerian holders of US visa types B1/B2, F, H, and L could renew their visas online by processing it through DHL using one of several dropbox locations across Nigeria without attending physical interviews.

With the suspension, such people will now have to visit the embassy in Abuja or consulate in Lagos for in-person interviews, a process that's expected to lead to delays in scheduling appointments.

"All applicants in Nigeria seeking a non-immigrant visa to the United States must apply online, and will be required to appear in-person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or U.S. Consulate General in Lagos to submit their application for review.

"Applicants must appear at the location they specified when applying for the visa renewal," the statement read.

The embassy noted that those who have already submitted their passports via dropbox to DHL for processing before Tuesday will not be affected by the suspension.

Processing of diplomatic and official (A, G, and NATO class) visa applications will also continue unchanged.

The embassy assured that it is taking the new step to provide more efficient customer service and promote legitimate travel.