The United States is suspending all routine visa services at its embassy in Niamey, Niger, until further notice, a State Department spokesperson confirmed.
An internal State Department cable, dated July 25, specified this comprehensive pause encompasses all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories.
A spokesperson indicated the suspension would remain in effect until Washington comprehensively addresses “concerns with the Government of Niger.”
Most diplomatic and official visas are reportedly excepted from this comprehensive pause, ensuring continuity for government-related travel.
The Trump Administration, emphasizing national security, remains focused on upholding the highest standards of public safety through its rigorous visa process.
The diplomatic cable further instructed consular officers globally to apply “heightened scrutiny” when assessing non-immigrant visa applications from Nigerien nationals.
This increased vigilance directly addresses Nigerien visitor visa overstay rates of eight percent, and student/exchange visas at a significant twenty-seven percent.
Consular managers received clear directives to actively reduce the number of overstays by non-immigrant visa holders currently residing in the United States.
The U.S. embassy in Niamey has diligently informed all individuals directly impacted by this new, temporary suspension of routine visa services.
This development follows the U.S. military’s complete withdrawal from Niger in September, an embarrassing setback after the ruling junta’s expulsion order.
Niger’s ruling junta formally ordered Washington to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country in April 2024, significantly altering bilateral ties.
Before the coup last year, Niger had served as a crucial partner in the U.S. counter-insurgency efforts across Africa’s tumultuous Sahel region.
These regional insurgents have tragically claimed thousands of lives and forcibly displaced millions more people, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis.
