State Department authorizes voluntary departure status at US Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria

The U.S. State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of nonemergency employees and family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.

Key Points:

• The State Department authorized the departure due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
• The embassy currently has limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.
• The U.S. Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.
• U.S. citizens who are in or planning travel to Nigeria are encouraged to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Additional Information: U.S. citizens should review the State Department’s Nigeria travel advisory webpage for more information.

BAL Analysis: Companies with employees in Nigeria are encouraged to follow State Department information and warnings closely. Applicants with visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja may experience delays or cancelations. Applicants with visa appointments at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos are encouraged to monitor email and text messages for information on scheduled appointments and/or passport pickups. BAL will continue to monitor developments regarding the increased security risks in Nigeria and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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