US Mission Warns Nigerian Travellers Against Visa Misuse, Cites Harsh Penalties for Overstays

The United States Mission in Nigeria has cautioned Nigerian travellers to strictly comply with the terms of their U.S. visas, warning that any misuse, particularly overstays, could jeopardise future travel opportunities.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, the Mission emphasised that remaining in the U.S. beyond the period authorised on a visa carries severe consequences.

“It’s important to use your US 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 statement read.

The warning comes as concerns rise over tighter U.S. visa enforcement policies. Data from the U.S. Department of State shows more than 700,000 visa overstays were recorded in 2023, with Nigeria among the countries with high non-compliance rates.

Under the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, visa overstays between 180 and 365 days attract a three-year reentry ban, while those exceeding one year face a ten-year ban.

The Mission urged Nigerians to ensure they fully understand and abide by the conditions of their visas to avoid sanctions that could disrupt future travel plans.