US Halts Visa Processing at Embassy in Niamey, Niger

The U.S. has suspended all routine visa services in Niger, citing concerns with its government and high visa overstay rates. Diplomatic visas continue, but stricter screening is in place. The move follows U.S. troop withdrawal and aligns with broader hardline immigration policies.

The United States is suspending all routine visa services at its embassy in Niamey, Niger until further notice. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the suspension includes all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, citing "concerns with the Government of Niger" but providing no further explanation.

While diplomatic and official visas will still be processed, an internal cable dated July 25 instructs U.S. consular officers around the world to apply heightened scrutiny to all visa applicants from Niger. The cable highlights high visa overstay rates—8 percent for visitor visas and an alarming 27 percent for student and exchange visas—as the reason for this stricter approach.

The U.S. embassy has informed all individuals affected by the freeze.

This development comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Niger. Last September, the U.S. military completed its withdrawal from the country after Niger's ruling junta demanded the removal of nearly 1,000 American troops. The move marked a significant blow to U.S. influence in West Africa, where Niger had previously been a key counterterrorism partner prior to last year’s coup.

At the same time, the Trump administration is pressing forward with hardline immigration policies. These include the revocation of thousands of visas, increased vetting of applicants’ social media activity, and efforts to target student visa and green card holders suspected of supporting Palestinians—labeling some as threats to U.S. foreign policy.

Senator Marco Rubio, a prominent figure in these initiatives within the State Department, stated that the crackdown aims to safeguard national security.