How to address a letter to the US embassy in Nigeria

Two years back, I had an issue when I applied for a US visa from Nigeria.

It lingered until I wrote to the US embassy here in Nigeria before they resolved the issue.

If you have any reason to write a letter to the US embassy in Nigeria, the letter requires formality, clarity, and proper structure.

Your letter must be well-written and appropriately addressed, whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking clarification, or addressing a specific concern.

Address your letter following the guidelines here to ensure it reaches the right department and is attended to easily.

How to address a letter to the US embassy in Nigeria

To properly address your letter to the embassy, use the correct contact address.

Step 1: Use the correct address

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has two main offices:

There’s one in Abuja and one in Lagos.

Your letter should be directed to the appropriate location based on your purpose.

• • • For the Abuja Office:
      U.S. Embassy Abuja
      Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive
      Central District Area
      Abuja, Nigeria
    • For the Lagos Office:
      U.S. Consulate General Lagos
      2 Walter Carrington Crescent
      Victoria Island
      Lagos, Nigeria

Step 2: Use a formal salutation

Start your letter with a professional salutation.

For example:

• To whom it may concern: Use this if you do not know the specific recipient.
• Dear consular officer: Appropriate if your concern relates to visa or immigration matters.

If you know the person you’re writing the letter to directly, you can address it to them.

When I wrote mine, I addressed it to a particular person at the consolute, therefore, the salutation bore the person’s name.

Also read: How long can an F1 student stay in the U.S. without attending school?

If this is the case with your situation, you can do the same thing.

Step 3: Structure your letter properly

Your letter should be clear and concise – the shorter the better.

Start with an introduction.

• Introduction: Start by stating your purpose. Mention who you are, your passport number (if possible), and the reason for the letter.
  • • Example: My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to request information regarding my visa application, reference number XYZ123.
• Body: Explain your request or concern in detail. Here, you can give more information about your request like dates, references, or previous communication. Keep your tone respectful and formal.
  • • Example: I applied for a B1/B2 visa on [date], and I would like to inquire about the status of my application. I have attached copies of the relevant documents for your reference.
• Closing: End with a polite closing statement, indicating your willingness to provide further information if needed.
  • • Example: Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide additional details or documentation if required.
• Signature: Sign off with:
  • • Sincerely, or Yours faithfully, followed by your full name.

Also read: How do I correct an error on my Nigerian passport?

Step 4: Include supporting documents

If your letter is for a specific purpose or concern, you should include documents like:

• Your passport bio-data page
• Visa application confirmation
• Appointment slip
• Any previous correspondence

The documents you’ll include will help the officers understand your issue better.

Read also: How do I contact the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria?

Plus, they’re proof of what you said in your letter.

Step 5: Submit your letter

When you’re done, you can submit your letter through:

• In-person submission: If you’re instructed, you can deliver your letter to the Embassy or Consulate. Confirm if appointments are needed for in-person visits.
• Mail submission: I used this method to submit my letter when I wrote to the embassy. You can use a reliable courier service to send your letter to the appropriate address.
• Email submission: For some inquiries, the U.S. Embassy will accept emails.

Also read: How long can an F1 student be out of status

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Sample of a letter addressed to the US embassy in Nigeria

If you want to send your letter right away, you can use this sample, edit it and out your details.

Your Full Name
[Your Address]
[City, State, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

Date: [Insert date]

To:
The Consular Officer
U.S. Embassy Abuja
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive
Central District Area
Abuja, Nigeria

Subject: Inquiry About My Visa Application (Reference Number: XYZ123)

Dear Consular Officer,

I am writing to inquire about the status of my visa application submitted on [insert date]. My application reference number is XYZ123, and I applied for a B1/B2 visitor visa to attend [state the purpose of your visit, e.g., a business conference scheduled for [date]].

I have completed all necessary steps, including my visa interview on [insert date], at the U.S. Embassy. However, I have not yet received any updates regarding the decision. I would appreciate it if you could kindly provide me with the current status of my application or guidance on the next steps.

Attached to this letter are copies of my passport bio-data page, visa application confirmation receipt, and appointment confirmation for your reference. Should you require any additional information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your phone number] or via email at [your email address].

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

If you’re sending the letter to the Lagos Consulate instead, update the address to:
U.S. Consulate General Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent
Victoria Island
Lagos, Nigeria.

Read also: What ‘Your online application has been received at the UK decision-making centre” means

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How do I contact the US embassy in Nigeria?

To contact the US embassy in Nigeria, you can

• Call them: This is the easiest, pick up a phone and call their number.

Abuja Contact:
Phone: +234-9-461-4000

Lagos Contact:
Phone: +234-1-460-3400

• Send an email: You can also send them an email. This is like writing a letter but faster!

Abuja Contact:
Email: nigeria@usvisaappt.com

Lagos Contact:
Email:  LagosACS@state.gov

For general visa inquiries, send your email to nigeria@usvisaappt.com

Read also: What does “the purpose of your visit to Canada is not consistent” mean?

For more information, visit the US embassy website in Nigeria.

• Go in person: Finally, you can visit them in person either in Abuja or Lagos.

Phone numbers and email address of US embassy in Nigeria

Here is the contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria:

U.S. Embassy Abuja

• Address: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria
• Phone: Phone: (234)-209-461-4000 Fax: (234)-209-461-4036
• Email: AbujaACS@state.gov 

U.S. Consulate General Lagos

• Address: 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
• Phone: Telephone: (234)-201- 460-3400 Fax: (+234)-201-460-3717
• Email: LagosACS@state.gov

For more information, you can visit their official website.

Read also: How to change the date of birth on your Nigerian passport

Do not forget, the main U.S. embassy is in Abuja. However, there is a U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.