US WARNS NIGERIANS AGAINST VISA OVERSTAYS, SAYS IT COULD HURT OTHERS’ TRAVEL CHANCES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The United States government has warned that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could negatively impact the chances of other Nigerians seeking to travel to the country.
In a post shared on its official X handle on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria urged travellers to strictly comply with visa conditions, stressing that responsible travel helps safeguard access for law-abiding citizens.
“Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens. Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly,” the mission stated.
The US Mission also encouraged Nigerians to report cases of visa fraud, providing contact details for the U.S. Federal Police Units in Abuja and Lagos.
“If you are aware of visa fraud, please report it to AbujaFPU@state.gov or LagosFPU@state.gov,” the post added.
The warning comes amid a partial suspension of certain US visa categories for Nigerians, which took effect in January 2026.
The suspension, implemented under Presidential Proclamation 10998 effective January 1, 2026, restricts the issuance of B-1/B-2 (business and tourist), F and M (student), J (exchange visitor), and all immigrant visas for Nigerian nationals, alongside citizens of 18 other countries. Exceptions apply to specific diplomatic, official, and humanitarian cases.
Nigeria is also among about 75 countries affected by broader immigrant visa pauses.
According to US authorities, the policy is aimed at reviewing immigration practices to curb visa overstays, prevent reliance on public benefits, and address identified security concerns.
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