Before now, applicants in Nigeria do not have to go through the interview process when renewing their visa.
But in a statement made available to Business Insider SSA by Pulse, the US Embassy said visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria.
“Effective at the close of business today, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria is indefinitely suspending interview waivers for renewals, otherwise known as the “Dropbox” process.
“Those who have already submitted their passports via “Dropbox” to DHL for processing either at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos, will not be impacted by this change.”
Why US changes the Dropbox policy?
The U.S. Mission said it is taking this step to provide more efficient customer service and promote legitimate travel. The Mission said it will continue to facilitate applications of established travellers to the best of its ability.
“Applicants must appear at the location they specified when applying for the visa renewal. “Processing of diplomatic and official (A, G, and NATO class) visa applications will continue unchanged,” the statement adds.
The US Mission advised all applicants in Nigeria seeking a non-immigrant visa to the United States to apply online, “and will be required to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or U.S. Consulate General in Lagos to submit their application for review.”
