The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travellers about the potential consequences of overstaying their visas. In a post shared on its X page on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that individuals found guilty of overstaying could face permanent bans from re-entering the country.
The US immigration authorities explained that consular officers have access to an individual’s complete immigration history, making it nearly impossible to avoid penalties for past violations. “If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States,” the Mission stated. “Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will be aware of any past violations.”
The statement further clarified that there are no allowances for what might be perceived as an “honest mistake,” stressing that it is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure their visa is used correctly.
Those who overstay their visa for a period exceeding 180 days but less than a year may face a three-year re-entry ban. If the overstay extends beyond one year, the penalty could be even more severe—a ten-year ban from entering the United States.
This warning comes in the wake of tougher immigration enforcement measures, particularly under the previous administration of President Donald Trump, which targeted a broader group of immigrants for removal. Trump’s focus on mass deportations, especially of individuals in the country illegally, further intensifies the risk for those in violation of visa terms.
The US Mission’s message serves as a reminder for Nigerians and other foreign nationals to adhere strictly to the terms of their US visas to avoid facing long-term consequences.
