Nigerians planning to visit the United States will now face an additional requirement as part of their visa application process. The U.S. government has directed that all visa applicants must provide details of their social media activity over the past five years.
According to the directive, applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles they have used on any platform within that period in the DS-160 visa application form. This applies across popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and others.
Applicants must also certify that the information provided is accurate before signing and submitting their forms. U.S. authorities have warned that omitting social media information—whether intentionally or by oversight—could result in visa denial and potentially render the applicant ineligible for future visas.
This measure is part of broader U.S. efforts to enhance security vetting of visitors by monitoring potential online behavior that may pose risks. While the rule is not unique to Nigerians, it is expected to have a significant impact given the high volume of U.S. visa applicants from the country each year.
For Nigerians seeking to travel for business, education, or tourism, the new requirement means extra care is needed when completing applications. Immigration experts advise applicants to carefully review their online presence, ensure they provide complete and accurate information, and avoid attempting to withhold details that may later be discovered during background checks.
As global travel rules become more stringent, this latest directive underscores the growing role of digital footprints in immigration and security assessments. Nigerian travelers are therefore urged to approach their visa applications with caution, transparency, and preparedness.
