The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced the appointment of a new visa services provider, effective August 26, 2024. This announcement, made on the Embassy’s website on Wednesday, comes amidst numerous complaints from applicants regarding delayed appointment dates and alleged racketeering at the U.S. Consulate General office in Lagos.
In a statement, the Embassy clarified, “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos are transitioning to a new visa services provider on August 26, 2024.”
For applicants who have already scheduled their appointments, the Embassy noted that they will lose access to the U.S. travel website starting August 16, 2024. “This means you will not be able to cancel or reschedule your appointment from August 16, 2024, and will have no access to customer service. You should print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16, 2024, and we strongly encourage you to attend your visa interview if possible. If you fail to appear for your scheduled interview, please check here on or after August 26, 2024, for instructions on rescheduling your appointment,” the announcement stated.
The new visa appointment website will go live by August 26 to streamline visa services and improve the application process.
This change comes as many Nigerians have voiced frustration over difficulties in securing appointment dates despite having paid visa fees.