The United States government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians regarding the severe consequences of overstaying their visas, noting offenders could face permanent bans from entering the country again.
This announcement was made public through the US Mission in Nigeria’s official page on X on Monday. The US immigration authorities emphasized that visa violations are easily traceable, as consular officers have complete access to travelers’ immigration histories.
“If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States,” the US Mission stated.
They further clarified the thoroughness of their records, cautioning, “Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations.”
The Mission also underscored personal accountability regarding visa compliance, adding, “There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.”
According to US immigration regulations, overstaying a visa by more than 180 days but less than one year could result in a three-year re-entry ban. Those who exceed a year could face an even stricter penalty—a 10-year ban.
This advisory aligns with intensified immigration policies under the administration of President Donald Trump, which initially targeted individuals illegally residing in the US, particularly those with criminal records.
