ABUJA, Nigeria – The United States Mission in Nigeria has tightened its visa screening process, requiring applicants to disclose all social media handles used in the past five years.
Officials say the updated rule, already integrated into the DS-160 non-immigrant visa form, is intended to strengthen background checks and curb fraudulent applications.
“This measure is not about invading privacy; it is about ensuring transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the visa process,” the Mission said in a statement on Monday.
The Mission further warned that any applicant who fails to provide complete and truthful information—including social media identifiers—risks visa denial and possible long-term ineligibility.
The Mission stressed that compliance is non-negotiable, urging all applicants to carefully review their forms and provide accurate information.
