By Juliana Davies, JKNewsMedia Intern
THE NIGERIA Immigration Service (NIS) has urged Nigerians travelling to the United States to strictly adhere to the conditions of their visas or risk facing removal, visa revocation, or long-term travel ineligibility.
Raising concern over what it described as increasing misuse of American visas by Nigerian citizens, the Service issued an official advisory cautioning students, tourists, and other non-immigrant travellers.
The alert, signed by NIS spokesperson AS Akinlabi, emphasised that United States immigration authorities continue security screening even after a traveller’s initial entry.
“Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry,” the Service stated. “Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel.”
Students and tourists were specifically highlighted in the advisory as categories most at risk of visa misuse.
The NIS advised Nigerian students studying in the United States to ensure they remain in active academic programmes, warning that unauthorised withdrawals, extended absenteeism, or failure to report programme changes could lead to visa cancellation and long-term consequences.
“Withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic programme without notification may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility,” the Service noted.
The advisory followed the U.S. Department of State’s revision of its reciprocal visa policy.
Effective 8 July 2025, most nonimmigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be valid for only three months and allow a single entry.
Existing visas issued prior to this date remain unaffected.
Also addressing the issue, the Nigeria Customs Service warned that activities inconsistent with visa purposes, such as misrepresenting the intent of travel or engaging in business activities on a tourist visa, may attract sanctions from U.S. authorities.
Travellers were reminded that the vetting process does not end at the port of entry, and violations could lead to future travel restrictions or deportation.
“U.S. authorities will continuously monitor the activities of visa holders, and visas can be revoked if holders are found to have violated US immigration protocols, import/export guidelines and other laws,” the Customs Service stated.
It also reminded Nigerians travelling to or from the U.S. to declare excess cash above $10,000 or its equivalent and avoid travelling with prohibited items.
“Intending passengers to the United States should know that whoever commits fraud in any jurisdiction will face legal consequences both under U.S. and Nigerian laws,” the statement added.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed that it is working closely with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria avoids a broader visa restriction regime.
The Service warned that consular officers would refuse tourist visa applications if they believe that the primary motive is to give birth in the U.S. for citizenship purposes.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service maintained that it would continue collaborating with the United States to promote lawful travel and compliance with international immigration standards.
