The US embassy has said that all applicants including frequent travellers, who used to use the drop box method, would now have to appear for interviews each time they applied for visa.
This was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the embassy.
Exempted though from the latest regulation are diplomatic and government officials who the embassy said could continue to enjoy the status quo.
The statement read, “Effective at the close of business today, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the US Mission to Nigeria is indefinitely suspending interview waivers for renewals, otherwise known as the ‘Drop box’ process.
“Visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria. Those who have already submitted their passports via drop box to DHL for processing either at the US Embassy in Abuja, or the Consulate General in Lagos, will not be impacted by this change.
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“All applicants in Nigeria seeking a non-immigrant visa to the United States must apply online, and will be required to appear in-person at the US Embassy in Abuja or US Consulate General in Lagos to submit their application for review. Applicants must appear at the location they specified when applying for the visa renewal.
“Processing of diplomatic and official (A, G, and NATO class) visa applications will continue unchanged.”
According to the embassy, it was taking the step to provide more efficient customer service and promote legitimate travel.
It also said that it would continue to facilitate applications of established travellers to the best of its ability.
