The United States Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of U.S. Independence Day. The announcement was made on Thursday, July 2, by the US Mission Nigeria through its official X account, @USinNigeria.
According to the mission, "The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of U.S. Independence Day." The closure means routine services at both offices will not be available throughout Friday.
Services Suspended and Rescheduling
Applicants with regular visa appointments, passport collection, or other scheduled consular services will have to wait until the missions resume normal operations. The United States' Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4. As a result, the holiday will be officially observed on Friday, July 3, by the embassy.
About United States Independence Day
Independence Day, widely known as the Fourth of July, is the national holiday of the United States. It is observed every year on July 4 to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. The Declaration marked the decision of the country's 13 original colonies to separate from Great Britain and become an independent nation. The day is celebrated across the United States with parades, fireworks displays, concerts, picnics, and community events. Many Americans also mark the occasion by displaying the national flag and wearing the country's traditional colours of red, white, and blue as a symbol of patriotism.
US Embassy Warns Nigerians Over Visa Violations
The US Mission in Nigeria previously reminded travellers to comply with visa conditions and United States immigration laws. The mission urged Nigerians to leave before their authorised stay expires, keep travel documents updated, and follow all visa requirements. It warned that violating visa conditions could affect future opportunities to study, work, or travel to the United States.
New Passport Rule for Child Support Debtors
The US government also announced that citizens owing more than $2,500 in unpaid child support could be denied a passport or have an existing one revoked under federal regulations. Applicants affected by the policy must settle their outstanding child support debt before becoming eligible for passport services. Authorities said the verification process may take up to three weeks after payment is confirmed. The US also said citizens abroad whose passports are revoked may qualify for a limited-validity passport to return home directly. A full-validity passport will only be restored after eligibility is officially reinstated.
