"Don't Get Banned: US Releases Important Update for All Nigerians Applying for Visa
- The US issued a fresh advisory urging Nigerians to strictly follow visa terms and warned against overstaying
- The embassy stressed that misuse could affect future travel chances and urged applicants to “travel smart"
- Six updated requirements were outlined, including DS-160 accuracy and disclosure of social media accounts
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The United States government has released a fresh advisory for Nigerians applying for American visas.
It stressed the importance of using visas strictly in line with the terms attached to them.
Source: Getty Images
US warns against overstaying visas
In a statement released via X, the US embassy in Nigeria noted that misusing visas, including overstaying, could affect future chances of travelling to the country.
“It’s important to use your US visa according to its terms. Misusing it, for example, by overstaying, may affect your ability to travel to the US in the future,” the advisory read.
The Embassy further encouraged applicants to adhere to the rules of their visas and follow travel guidelines to avoid complications.
“Our message is simple: Visa-wise, travel smart,” the statement added.
Nigerians urged to comply with rules
Officials highlighted that strict compliance not only benefits individuals but also strengthens trust in the visa system. They noted that violations often lead to visa denials or travel restrictions.
Visa: US issues 6 requirements for Nigerians
Source: Twitter
In a related report, the mission in Nigeria has issued a new directive to visa applicants in Nigeria seeking to travel to America. US visa applicants are expected to disclose all social media usernames and handles over the past five years.
This is part of the US visa application process as announced by the United States Mission in Nigeria on Monday, August 18, 2025, via its X handle @USinNigeria
Below are the six requirements for U.S. visa applicants in Nigeria:
1. Matching DS-160 confirmation number
US visa applications are expected to present a DS-160 visa application form with a barcode number (starts with “AA00”) that matches the one used to schedule your appointment. The applicants whose barcode numbers do not match will not be allowed into the Consular Section or attend your interview.
2. Choose the correct appointment location
Applicants must attend their interview in the same location (Abuja or Lagos) they selected when submitting their DS-160 form.
3. Double-check your DS-160
It is advisable to check if the DS-160 barcode number matches the one in the appointment confirmation at least two weeks before an interview. US visa applicants are advised not to reuse a DS-160 form from a previous application.
4. Fixing an incorrect DS-160 barcode
If the barcode is incorrect, applicants are to log into their AVITS account at least 10 days before an interview and create a support ticket to request a correction.
5. Rescheduling if rejected
Applicants who were turned away because of mismatched barcode numbers, they are to correct the issue and then rebook a new appointment. However, if the previous visa fee has expired, an applicant will need to pay a new fee before booking.
6. Disclosure of all social media usernames and handles
Applicants must fill in all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa application.
US announces 4 new requirements for visa interviews
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria announced four major requirements for Nigerians applying for its visa interviews.
These four announcements were disclosed on the commission's website on Friday, April 11, adding that they will take effect on Tuesday, April 22. According to the US Mission in Nigeria, interested applicants are to adhere to the requirements to avoid unwanted consequences.
Source: Legit.ng
