US Threatens to Slam Life Ban on Nigerians who Overstay their Visas

The U.S. government has threatened Nigerian travelers that overstaying a visa could lead to a permanent ban from re-entering the country.

The warning was issued through the official U.S. Mission Nigeria Twitter account (now X), where the violation was explained would meet with severe consequences

In a statement, U.S. immigration authorities made it clear that consular officers have full access to an individual’s immigration history, meaning that any previous visa violations will be detected and considered when reviewing future travel applications.

“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States.

“Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.”out”, the statement said.

The U.S. government highlighted that travelers must strictly comply with the terms of their visa as ignorance of visa rules will not be accepted as an excuse, the authorities warned.

The statement also outlined the following penalties for those who overstay their visa:
Overstay of more than 180 days but less than one year: A three-year re-entry ban.
Overstay exceeding one year: A 10-year re-entry ban.
Multiple violations or serious infractions: A permanent ban from obtaining a U.S. visa

In recent years, the U.S. has been tightening its immigration policies, particularly with travelers from countries with high rates of visa overstays, including Nigeria.

This latest warning serves as a reminder for Nigerian travelers to adhere to visa terms, as any violations could have long-term consequences on their ability to travel to the U.S. in the future.