The United States Mission in Nigeria has cautioned Nigerian travellers to strictly comply with the conditions attached to their U.S. visas, warning that violations could threaten future entry into the country.
The advisory was issued in a statement shared via the Mission’s official X account on Tuesday.
Clarifying what amounts to visa misuse, the Mission explained that overstaying in the U.S. beyond the legally approved duration carries serious repercussions, including travel restrictions.
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“It’s important to use your U.S. visa according to its terms. Misusing it, for example, by overstaying, may affect your ability to travel to the U.S. in the future,” the Mission stated.
The warning comes at a time of heightened concern regarding stringent U.S. visa policies and enforcement measures on compliance.
According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 700,000 visa overstays were recorded in 2023, with Nigeria listed among the top countries affected.
Legal provisions under the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act impose severe penalties for visa violations. The law stipulates a three-year reentry ban for individuals who overstay between 180 and 365 days, while those who remain illegally for over a year face a ten-year ban.
