The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travelers, stating that visa overstays by individuals are negatively impacting visa opportunities for other Nigerians seeking to visit the US.
The US Mission in Nigeria shared a graphic on its official platforms on Monday, urging the public to report visa fraud and strictly comply with visa conditions. The post emphasized that overstays hurt the prospects of fellow citizens.
Data from the US Department of Homeland Security reveals an overstay rate of 5.56% for Nigerian B-1/B-2 visitor visas and 11.90% for student visas. These figures have contributed to stricter measures, including the introduction of visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for certain Nigerian applicants, effective January 21, 2026.
The warning sparked reactions on social media. While some Nigerians expressed frustration over the tougher policies, others called for personal responsibility. Activist SEGA L’éveilleur suggested families should hold relatives accountable for actions damaging Nigeria’s travel reputation.
Many appealed to travelers to obey visa rules, stressing that individual misconduct should not continue to “spoil chances for everyone else.”
The US Mission reiterated that visa privileges come with responsibilities, and compliance is key to maintaining fair access and trust in the immigration system. The message underscores the direct link between individual actions and broader visa policy outcomes for the Nigerian populace.
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