Despite the US government shutdown, the US Embassy in Nigeria confirmed that passport and visa services remain available.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the embassy announced Wednesday.
“At this time, scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.”
The update eased concerns among Nigerians worried about travel, student visas, and consular services. The shutdown began after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to agree on a budget. Democrats demanded health care funding, which Republicans rejected.
Trump defended the shutdown, saying it would let him cut Democratic-backed programs. When Congress and the President cannot reach a budget deal, a US government shutdown forces many federal departments to close. Only essential services such as the military, postal service, and Social Security continue. Impacted workers face unpaid furloughs.
Since 1976, the United States has experienced 21 shutdowns. Nigerians needing information on consular services, including visa and passport appointments, should visit travel.state.gov.
