U.S. Embassy Requires Nigerian Visa Applicants to Submit Five-Year Social Media History

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a new requirement for visa applicants, mandating the disclosure of all social media usernames and handles used in the past five years.

The directive, shared on the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s broader efforts to enhance national security through more rigorous screening procedures.

According to the Mission, applicants must list all social media profiles on the DS-160 visa application form — a standard requirement for most non-immigrant visa categories.

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used over the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the U.S. Mission stated.

Applicants are further reminded that by signing the DS-160 form, they are certifying that all information provided is accurate and complete. Failure to disclose the required social media information may result in visa denial and could affect eligibility for future visa applications.

“Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the post warned.

This policy is part of ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to identify potential security threats and improve the vetting process for foreign nationals seeking entry into the country.