US Mission Reaffirms Security Focus in Visa Application Process

The United States Mission in Nigeria has restated that protecting American citizens and communities remains the primary consideration in processing visa applications and decisions.

The Mission issued the clarification on Monday, following recent policy updates that now require Nigerian visa applicants to provide a record of all social media usernames and handles they have used in the last five years. The directive applies to the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form, and officials warned that incomplete disclosure could lead to outright denial of visa requests.

This development sparked reactions in Nigeria, with the Federal Government indicating plans to apply similar measures to US citizens seeking entry visas. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said last Monday that Nigeria would “carry out reciprocal action” to ensure parity in visa procedures.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the US Mission explained that the screening measures are part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of Americans without shutting the door on genuine travelers.

“The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every US visa application and decision process,” the Mission said. “Prospective applicants undergo careful vetting to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”

The directive aligns with Washington’s wider global immigration policy, which has increasingly emphasized digital identity verification and background checks to combat terrorism, fraud, and other security threats. By mandating disclosure of online activity, US authorities aim to assess the credibility of applicants and detect potential risks early in the process.

Analysts say the move underscores how nations are integrating social media footprints into security protocols. While the US insists the policy is not targeted at any specific country, its impact is being closely watched in Nigeria, where thousands of citizens apply annually for tourist, student, and work visas.

The Federal Government has not disclosed when or how it would implement the proposed reciprocal measures for Americans applying to visit Nigeria. However, officials have signaled that the principle of “mutual respect” will guide any decision.