The United States has suspended its visa dropbox service in Nigeria, requiring all visitor visa applicants to attend in-person interviews for renewals.

Previously, the dropbox system allowed eligible applicants, especially those with recent U.S. travel history, to submit their passports without interviews, reducing wait times.

The removal of this option has raised concerns about longer delays, as visa interview appointments are already booked over a year in some cases. Many Nigerians, including students and business travelers, may face disruptions to their travel plans.

While the U.S. Embassy has not given an official reason for the suspension, some observers link the decision to the lingering effects of Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which once imposed travel bans on several African nations, including Nigeria, citing security concerns.