Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States in 2025 are facing one of the longest visa appointment waits in Africa, with new data from the US State Department revealing a staggering 9.5-month average wait time for tourist and business visas in Abuja.
The July 2025 update shows Nigerian applicants must wait approximately 7 months for their next available B1/B2 visa appointment, making it one of the most challenging locations on the continent for US travel plans.
However, the situation varies dramatically across African countries, creating opportunities for strategic planning. Kenya’s Nairobi consulate offers almost immediate appointments for business and tourist visas, while Ghana’s Accra office maintains a 7-month wait for similar categories.
Table of Contents
Regional Breakdown Shows Major Disparities
Uganda presents the worst scenario, with Kampala recording 12-month waits for next available B1/B2 appointments and 9.5-month averages. Morocco’s Casablanca office offers moderate 6-month waits, though student visa applicants can secure appointments within just one month.
The US State Department now publishes monthly updates tracking two critical metrics: next available appointment dates and average wait times from fee payment to interview. These location-specific updates account for weekends and holidays but don’t guarantee fixed timelines as new slots are released regularly.
RELATED:Trump Tightens Visa Rules: Nigeria Targeted Over Birthright Citizenship Trend
Work and Study Visas Offer Faster Routes
Nigerian students and workers may find relief through alternative visa categories. F/M/J student visas and employment-based applications typically process within 2-3 months in Abuja, significantly faster than tourist applications.
The data reveals a pattern across Africa where work and study visas move more quickly than leisure travel applications, suggesting applicants should explore all eligible categories when planning their applications.
Strategic Planning Essential
With appointment slots released periodically, applicants are advised to check multiple locations and remain flexible with travel dates. The new monthly reporting system aims to provide transparency, though actual wait times may vary based on application volume and processing capacity.
For Nigerians planning US travel, early application submission and consideration of alternative visa categories could significantly reduce waiting periods in an increasingly competitive appointment landscape.