U.S. Hits Nigerians with New Visa Rules

The United States government has introduced stricter visa rules for Nigerians, requiring every applicant to provide a detailed social media history covering the past five years.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, August 18, the Mission emphasized that applicants must list all usernames or handles from every platform they have used in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form.

The US Mission in Nigeria has warned that applicants who fail to disclose this information risk denial of their visas and may become ineligible for future travel to the US.

They must certify that all information is accurate and complete before submitting.

“Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the statement read.

This move follows a series of tougher migration policies implemented by President Donald Trump since he began his second term in January 2025.

Previously, the US Mission had limited Nigerian non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas to single-entry permits with only a three-month validity.

Now, it has expanded social media scrutiny to all categories of visa applications, including tourist, work, and immigrant visas.

The new requirement comes amid heightened efforts to protect national security.

Trump’s administration has conducted mass raids on homes, schools, workplaces, and shopping centers to identify undocumented immigrants.

Thousands of migrants from countries like India, Guatemala, and Honduras have already been deported.

Critics argue the measures unfairly target minority groups, while supporters say they help secure US borders.

Nigerians form the largest African diaspora in the United States, with an estimated 376,000 Nigerians living there as of 2015. Many pursue opportunities for education, work, or family reunification.

Moreover, the diaspora contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy, sending over $20 billion in remittances annually, according to 2023 World Bank data.

Therefore, these stricter visa rules may directly affect mobility, opportunities, and financial exchanges for Nigerian families and professionals.

The US Mission stressed that the updated rules aim to safeguard the integrity of the visa system.

It also clarified that visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their original validity, ensuring existing travelers do not face disruptions.

Finally, the Mission urged applicants to fully comply with the new requirements and encouraged them to provide complete and transparent information.

With this directive, Nigerian applicants must now carefully review their social media history to avoid delays or rejection, while US authorities continue monitoring compliance closely.

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