On July 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced an indefinite suspension of all routine visa services at the U.S. embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The measure, which applies to all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, was also communicated in an internal cable dated July 25. No official reasons were provided, although a spokesperson generally cited “concerns with the government of Niger”.
The suspension does not apply to diplomatic and official visa applications. At the same time, the Department has ordered U.S. consulates around the world to adopt stricter screening for visa applications from Nigerien citizens, citing high rates of overstaying visas: 8% for tourist visas and 27% for student and exchange program visas.
The political context is tense. Following a 2023 military coup, Niger is now governed by a junta that expelled approximately 1,000 U.S. troops from its territory in April 2024. This decision was a major blow to Washington, which considered Niger a strategic ally in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel.
The visa suspension also aligns with a broader tightening of migratory policies by the returned Trump administration. New measures include enhanced social media checks for visa applicants, more frequent arrests and deportations, and restrictions against foreign students or residents accused of having sympathies for Hamas or being critical of Israel, which are deemed incompatible with American foreign policy.