The United States has halted its visa dropbox service in Nigeria, requiring all visitor visa applicants to attend in-person interviews for renewals.
This decision affects travelers who previously benefited from the dropbox system, which allowed eligible applicants—especially those with recent U.S. travel history—to renew visas without an interview.
The removal of this feature is expected to worsen existing delays, as visa appointment wait times in Nigeria already stretch beyond a year in some cases. Many Nigerians, including students and business professionals, may face disruptions in their travel plans.
While the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has not issued an official statement, sources confirm that the dropbox feature has been quietly removed from the appointment booking system. Applicants attempting to schedule renewals have found the option unavailable, signaling a return to pre-2020 visa processing procedures.
As of January, dropbox appointment slots were already unavailable in Lagos, forcing many applicants to seek alternatives in Abuja. With its complete removal, visa renewal applicants must now undergo full in-person interviews, further straining the already backlogged system.
Reports suggest that some applicants have been unable to access the appointment booking platform altogether, fueling speculation that the move may be linked to previous U.S. immigration policy shifts. The impact of this decision remains significant, as Nigerian travelers brace for extended wait times and potential travel disruptions.
