US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria to Close Monday, February 16, 2026, for Presidents’ Day

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of the federal holiday Presidents’ Day. This closure affects all non-emergency consular services, including visa interviews, passport renewals, and citizen services, for the day. Applicants and the public are advised to plan accordingly.

Introduction: Understanding the Closure

Annually, the United States observes Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February. In 2026, this falls on February 16. As a result, all U.S. government federal facilities, including diplomatic missions abroad like the US Embassy in Nigeria and its Consulate General in Lagos, will be closed. This is a standard operational pause aligned with the U.S. federal holiday calendar and does not indicate any specific change in diplomatic relations or security posture between the United States and Nigeria.

For Nigerian citizens and residents with pending U.S. visa applications, American citizens requiring consular assistance, or individuals with scheduled appointments, this closure means a temporary suspension of in-person services. The embassy typically resumes normal operations on the following Tuesday. This guide provides essential information on the holiday’s significance, the practical implications of the closure, and actionable advice for those affected.

Key Points at a Glance

• Closure Date: Monday, February 16, 2026.
• Affected Locations: U.S. Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos.
• Services Paused: All routine visa, passport, and citizen services.
• Holiday Observed: Presidents’ Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring all U.S. presidents.
• Emergency Services: U.S. Citizen Services may maintain a limited emergency capability.
• Next Steps: Applicants should check the official embassy website for rescheduling information and updated operating hours.

Background: The History and Significance of Presidents’ Day

From Washington’s Birthday to a Nationwide Tribute

Presidents’ Day originated as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, which is February 22, 1732. The first federal holiday honoring Washington was established in 1885. However, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 shifted several federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends for workers. This law moved the Washington’s Birthday holiday to the third Monday in February, creating a date that falls between Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s (February 12) birthdays.

Over time, the holiday’s meaning evolved. While its official name remains “Washington’s Birthday,” it is commonly known as Presidents’ Day. This modern interpretation is a day to honor the legacy of all individuals who have served as President of the United States, reflecting on their contributions to the nation’s history and governance. The U.S. Embassy’s statement correctly notes this shift from a single-figure commemoration to a broader appreciation of the presidency.

Presidents’ Day and International Relations

The role of the U.S. presidency has always extended beyond domestic borders. The holiday implicitly recognizes the significant impact of U.S. presidents on global affairs, foreign policy, and international diplomacy. For a U.S. diplomatic mission like the one in Nigeria, the closure is a symbolic acknowledgment of this foundational American institution. It serves as a reminder of the historical continuity of the office, even as specific policies and administrations change.

Analysis: Impact on Visa Applicants and U.S. Citizens in Nigeria

The closure of the US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos has direct, tangible consequences for two primary groups: visa applicants and U.S. citizens.

For Visa Seekers (Nigerian and Third-Country Nationals)

• Scheduled Interviews: All non-immigrant (e.g., B1/B2 tourist, F1 student, H1B work) and immigrant visa interviews originally set for Monday, February 16, will be postponed. The embassy typically reschedules these automatically to the next available slot, which may be weeks or months later, depending on visa category and demand.
• Document Drop-off/Pick-up: Any courier services or scheduled pick-ups for passport returns or document submissions will be suspended.
• Email/Phone Inquiries: Administrative staff will not be available to respond to routine case inquiries on the holiday. Emergency queries should be directed through official channels, but responses will likely be delayed.
• Planning Implication: Applicants with travel deadlines should factor this closure into their timelines. It is prudent to avoid scheduling critical travel within one week after the holiday due to potential backlogs.

For U.S. Citizens in Nigeria

• Routine Services: Passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and notarial services will be unavailable.
• Emergency Services: The embassy maintains a 24/7 duty officer for emergencies involving U.S. citizens, such as serious illness, death, arrest, or destitution. These services remain accessible via the emergency contact number listed on the embassy’s website. However, the holiday may cause minor delays in response for non-life-threatening issues.
• Voting: The closure does not affect the ability to request an absentee ballot for U.S. elections, as these can often be handled online or via mail, but physical assistance at the embassy will be unavailable.

The Strategic Context: A Standard Operational Pause

It is crucial to understand that this closure is a routine administrative event, not a diplomatic signal. U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide close on U.S. federal holidays. This practice aligns with the host country’s recognition of the diplomatic mission’s sovereign status under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The temporary shutdown does not affect the ongoing diplomatic, security, or development cooperation between the United States and Nigeria. All long-term programs and bilateral engagements continue as scheduled.

Practical Advice for Navigating the Closure

Proactive planning can mitigate the inconvenience caused by the holiday closure. Here is actionable advice for different stakeholders.

For Visa Applicants

1. Check Your Appointment Date: Immediately log into the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services portal to confirm if your interview is scheduled for February 16, 2026. The system should show it as cancelled or rescheduled.
2. Monitor for Rescheduling: Keep a close eye on your email and the visa appointment website for a new interview date. Do not assume your old date is valid.
3. Adjust Travel Plans: If your visa interview is delayed, revise any flight or travel bookings you have made that depend on visa issuance. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers visa delays.
4. Prepare in Advance: Use the extra time to double-check all your documentation. Ensure your DS-160 form is error-free, your supporting documents are complete, and you are prepared for the consular interview. This way, when your new date arrives, you are fully ready.

For U.S. Citizens

1. Passport Renewals: If your passport expires in the next 6-12 months, renew it before the holiday weekend. Routine renewals by mail take 8-11 weeks. Expedited services are available for an additional fee but also require processing time.
2. Know the Emergency Contact: Save the U.S. Embassy Abuja’s emergency number for U.S. citizens in your phone. It is usually available on the embassy’s website under “U.S. Citizen Services.”
3. Document Security: Ensure you have digital and physical copies of important documents like your U.S. passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate stored securely.

General Public and Business Community

1. Verify Information: Always rely on official sources. Check the U.S. Embassy Nigeria’s official website (https://ng.usembassy.gov) and its verified social media pages (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) for confirmed closure notices and updates.
2. Plan Deliveries: If you are expecting documents or shipments from the embassy, anticipate a one-day delay in processing and mailing.
3. Understand the Scope: The closure is for the U.S. federal holiday. Nigerian public and private sector businesses, banks, and government offices in Nigeria will operate on their normal Monday schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will the US Embassy in Nigeria be open on Tuesday, February 17, 2026?

Yes, assuming no other unforeseen closures. The embassy and consulate will resume regular Monday-through-Friday operating hours on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All routine services will recommence.

My visa interview was scheduled for Monday, February 16. What happens to my fee?

Your MRV fee remains valid for one year from the date of payment. The embassy will automatically attempt to reschedule your interview to a new date. You will receive an email notification with your new appointment details. You do not need to pay the fee again.

I am a U.S. citizen with an emergency (e.g., lost passport, medical emergency) on Monday, February 16. What do I do?

Contact the U.S. Embassy’s emergency duty officer immediately. The emergency contact number is always listed on the embassy’s website, typically on the “U.S. Citizen Services” page. For life-threatening emergencies, also contact local Nigerian emergency services ( dial 112). The duty officer will advise on the limited emergency services available.

Does this closure affect the processing of already-submitted visa applications?

Administrative processing of cases that are already in the system continues even during the closure, as some backend operations may continue. However, no active casework or interviews will be conducted on the holiday. Expect a one-day delay in any processing timeline that includes February 16.

Is Presidents’ Day celebrated the same way in Nigeria?

No. Presidents’ Day is a uniquely American federal holiday. Nigeria has its own set of public holidays, such as Independence Day (October 1) and Democracy Day (June 12). The closure is solely because the U.S. diplomatic mission is observing a holiday from its home country’s calendar.

Conclusion

The closure of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate in Lagos on Monday, February 16, 2026, for Presidents’ Day is a standard, predictable administrative event. It stems from the observance of a major U.S. federal holiday that honors the office of the presidency and all who have held it. For visa applicants, the key takeaway is to anticipate a rescheduling of any appointments set for that day and to plan travel timelines accordingly. For U.S. citizens, it is a reminder to ensure passport and documentation needs are addressed well in advance. The best course of action for everyone is to consult the official US Embassy Nigeria website for the most current information, to understand that normal bilateral relations are unaffected, and to incorporate this known holiday into personal and professional planning. This annual closure is a small but significant part of the operational rhythm of U.S. diplomacy worldwide.