By Obinna Uballa
The United States Mission in Nigeria has cautioned Nigerian travellers to strictly comply with the terms of their visas, warning that overstaying could attract severe penalties, including long-term entry bans.
The advisory, posted Tuesday on the Mission’s official X handle, underlined the fact that violating visa conditions jeopardises future chances of entering the U.S.
“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 amid tougher scrutiny of visa compliance and rising concerns over strict U.S. immigration policies.
According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 700,000 visa holders overstayed in 2023, with Nigeria ranking among the top countries affected.
Under the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, visa overstays carry stiff penalties: a three-year re-entry ban for overstays of 180 to 365 days, and a ten-year ban for those exceeding one year.
