US Tightens Visa Process for Nigerians With Social Media Checks
Enet
In a major policy shift, Nigerian visa applicants to the United States will now be required to submit details of their social media history covering the past five years as part of their application process.
According to the U.S. Department of State, this new requirement applies to nearly all visa categories, including student, work, and tourist visas. Applicants will be asked to provide usernames and handles used on major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and others.
Officials say the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen security checks and screen for potential security threats. The U.S. government explained that social media review helps immigration officers assess whether an applicant poses any risk to national security or has links to extremist activity.
While some Nigerians have described the new rule as an invasion of privacy, U.S. authorities maintain that the policy is essential for transparency and safety.
This development is expected to increase the scrutiny of visa applications and may prolong the processing period. Applicants are therefore advised to ensure their social media records align with the personal information provided in their forms.
