Nigerians seeking to renew their US visas will now have to undergo full in-person interviews following the quiet removal of the visa drop box provision, also known as the Interview Waiver Program. This unexpected policy shift is expected to worsen the already lengthy visa processing times, creating significant hurdles for frequent travelers, business professionals, and students with urgent travel needs.
Previously, eligible visa holders could bypass the interview process by submitting their renewal applications through the drop box system, significantly reducing wait times. However, recent findings reveal that this option has been completely removed from the US visa appointment booking system in Nigeria—and notably, without any prior official announcement from the US Embassy. Many applicants who attempted to schedule their renewals were met with confusion when they discovered that the drop box option had disappeared, initially believing it was a system glitch. However, further inquiries confirmed that the removal was deliberate, aligning with broader shifts in US visa policies.
Stricter Visa Policies, Longer Delays
While the US Embassy has yet to issue an official statement on the change, multiple reports suggest that the decision may be linked to ongoing concerns about visa overstays and potential misuse of the program by some travelers. In previous years, US immigration authorities have raised concerns about certain countries—Nigeria included—having high rates of visa overstay violations, prompting periodic suspensions and stricter enforcement measures.
Even before this removal, securing a drop box appointment had become increasingly difficult due to overwhelming demand and a backlog of applications. Many applicants reported waiting months for available slots, particularly in Lagos, where appointment availability had been near impossible. Now, with all applicants required to undergo full in-person interviews, the already overwhelmed visa processing system is expected to face even greater strain.
For Nigerian travelers, this means significantly longer wait times for visa approvals, potential travel disruptions, and logistical difficulties in securing interview slots. Reports indicate that some applicants had already been waiting close to a year just to schedule a visa appointment—and with the drop box service now eliminated, those delays are likely to stretch even further.
Business Travelers, Students, and Frequent Visitors Hit Hard
The elimination of the drop box option is a particularly severe blow for frequent travelers, professionals, and students who previously relied on the system for quick and seamless visa renewals. Business executives with urgent travel plans may now face difficulties meeting international commitments, while students planning to study in the US could encounter further obstacles in securing timely approvals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government had expanded the drop box program to allow visa renewals for those whose visas had expired within 48 months, an initiative aimed at minimizing in-person contact. However, the removal of the service signals a return to stricter policies, reminiscent of 2018, when the Trump administration suspended Nigeria’s drop box eligibility due to concerns over visa overstays. This latest move suggests a continued tightening of US immigration rules, particularly for high-volume applicant countries.
What This Means for Nigerian Visa Applicants
With the drop box option off the table, all Nigerian applicants—regardless of previous eligibility—must now schedule in-person interviews, prepare extensive documentation, and undergo stricter scrutiny before securing visa approvals. Given the existing backlog and high demand, securing an appointment could take even longer, leading to potential disruptions for those with pressing travel needs.
The US government has yet to clarify whether this policy change is temporary or permanent, but for now, visa applicants are advised to plan well in advance, ensure they meet all requirements, and brace for extended wait times. As demand for US visas continues to soar, the need for early appointment scheduling has never been more critical.
For now, all eyes remain on the US Embassy for an official statement. Until then, Nigerian travelers must adjust to this new reality, navigating a tougher and more time-consuming visa renewal process.
