US Visa Drop Box Provision No Longer Available in Nigeria

The drop box visa processing option is no longer available for US visa applicants in Nigeria, marking a significant shift in the visa renewal process.

Drop Box Feature Quietly Removed

Nairametrics sources confirm that the service, which previously allowed eligible applicants to renew their visas without an in-person interview, has been quietly removed from the appointment booking system.

While the US Embassy in Nigeria has yet to issue an official statement on the change, applicants attempting to schedule visa renewals have reported that the drop box feature is no longer an option on the appointment booking platform.

Appointment Backlogs and Removal Reasons

Applicants who spoke to Nairametrics stated that they have been unable to access the platform, suggesting that the feature may have been removed.

Sources indicate that the removal may be linked to executive orders issued during Donald Trump’s administration, which have continued to impact visa policies.

This change comes amid a backlog of visa applications, with many applicants waiting months—some even up to a year—to secure a drop box appointment before this removal.

As of January, drop box appointment slots were unavailable in Lagos, forcing many applicants to seek alternatives in Abuja. Now, with the complete removal of the drop box feature, all applicants will have to undergo in-person interviews, reverting to the pre-2020 process.

What You Should Know

The drop box (Interview Waiver) program in Nigeria was initially introduced to ease the visa renewal process by allowing certain applicants to submit their documents without attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.

Eligibility Criteria for the Drop Box Program

• Having a prior US visa that expired within the last 24 months.
• The previous visa must have been issued in Nigeria as a full-validity, multiple-entry visa.
• Applying for the same visa classification as the prior approved visa.
• No record of overstaying, working without authorization, or having criminal convictions in the US.

Expansion and Previous Suspensions

During the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020, the US Department of State expanded eligibility, allowing those whose visas expired within 48 months to apply through the drop box system. This aimed to streamline renewals and reduce in-person interactions due to pandemic restrictions.

However, the drop box service has faced previous suspensions. In 2018, under Donald Trump’s first administration, the US government removed the option, citing concerns over visa overstays by Nigerian travelers. At that time, the US mission mandated in-person interviews for all applicants, leading to longer processing times and delays.

Impact of the Recent Removal

With the recent removal of the drop box feature, Nigerians applying for US visas will now revert to full in-person interviews, increasing wait times for visa appointments.

This policy shift is expected to significantly impact business travelers, students, and frequent visitors who previously relied on the drop box system for faster renewals.

Stay updated for more visa-related news.