The United States Mission in Nigeria has reiterated that the safety and security of its citizens and communities remain central to the visa application process, following the introduction of new social media disclosure requirements for Nigerian applicants.
Under the updated directive, Nigerian citizens seeking U.S. visas are now required to provide a comprehensive list of all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form.
Failure to provide this information may result in visa denial, according to the U.S. Mission.
In a statement released on Monday via X, the Mission emphasized, “The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process.
That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”
The U.S. move has prompted Nigeria to consider a reciprocal approach. Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Americans intending to travel to Nigeria could face similar social media disclosure requirements.
“The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures,” Ebienfa stated last week.
Experts say the new policy signals a heightened focus on digital footprints in evaluating visa eligibility.
Travel analysts note that social media vetting allows authorities to better identify potential security risks but raises concerns around privacy, data protection, and transparency in the application process.
According to migration consultant Chinedu Okoye, “Applicants must now ensure that all public-facing and private social media accounts are accurately disclosed.
Any inconsistencies or omissions could delay processing or trigger denials, potentially impacting student, work, or family travel.”
The policy aligns with broader international trends where countries increasingly scrutinize applicants’ digital presence to enhance national security.
While the U.S. insists that these measures are necessary to maintain a secure travel environment, critics argue that it could inadvertently affect Nigerian professionals, students, and tourists who maintain active online presences.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ call for reciprocity reflects Nigeria’s growing attention to equitable international treatment for its citizens abroad.
By implementing similar vetting for U.S. visitors, Nigeria aims to balance security needs with diplomatic fairness while monitoring compliance with local privacy laws.
Financial institutions and banks in Nigeria have also been advised to remain vigilant, as visa-linked financial scrutiny may increase under the new policy.
Prospective visa holders may be asked to present more transparent records of international transactions and online payment histories, especially for work or study-related travel.
The U.S. Mission continues to urge Nigerian applicants to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information across all required channels.
Officials stressed that the policy is part of broader efforts to streamline visa adjudication and ensure safe, responsible international travel.
Analysts predict that the social media vetting requirement could set a precedent for other nations and may influence global travel norms in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Nigerian travelers are encouraged to carefully review their digital presence before submitting visa applications to avoid delays or complications.