The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a strong warning to Nigerian travellers against misusing United States entry visas, following concerns raised by the U.S. government about visa fraud and illegal immigration attempts.
The warning comes amid growing tensions over visa restrictions, with the U.S. recently implementing a revised reciprocity policy that limits most Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single entry with three-month validity periods.
Partnership with U.S. Mission
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to alert the general public to the concerns raised by the Government of the United States of America on the need for Nigerians to desist from misusing entry visas and related travel documents.
The Customs Service has partnered with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to address the alarming rate of visa abuse and prevent potential expansion of existing travel restrictions on Nigerian citizens.
This collaboration aims to educate Nigerian travellers about proper visa usage and the severe consequences of non-compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Revised U.S. Visa Policy
Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period. Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.
The new policy represents a significant tightening of visa restrictions for Nigerian applicants, reflecting U.S. concerns about compliance issues and potential security risks.
The policy change affects thousands of Nigerian travellers who previously enjoyed multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods for business, tourism, and other purposes.
Visa Fraud Warnings
The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians and others seeking to migrate illegally or through fraudulent means, declaring that those who commit visa fraud will be permanently banned from entering the U.S.
Beyond a permanent denial of entry, the embassy warned that visa fraudsters and individuals who facilitate the illegal entry and harbouring of immigrants will face criminal charges. This could include persons who act as sponsors, travel agents, or middlemen engaged in falsifying visa application documents.
The warning extends to travel agents, sponsors, and other intermediaries who assist in fraudulent visa applications or facilitate illegal immigration schemes.
Overstaying Consequences
The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travellers about the severe consequences of overstaying their visa, emphasising that violators could face permanent bans from re-entering the country.
Overstaying visa duration remains one of the most common violations among Nigerian travellers, leading to automatic bars from future U.S. visa applications.
The Customs Service emphasized that overstaying violations are carefully tracked by U.S. immigration authorities and can result in lifetime entry bans.
Continuous Security Vetting
Nigerians are urged to note that security vetting for visa applicants does not end upon entry into the United States.
The continuous monitoring system means that travelers’ activities are subject to ongoing scrutiny throughout their stay in the United States.
This surveillance extends to checking compliance with visa conditions, including the stated purpose of visit and adherence to authorized duration of stay.
Birth Tourism Warning
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to Nigerians seeking to travel to the US primarily to give birth and obtain American citizenship for their children.
This practice, known as birth tourism, has become a particular concern for U.S. authorities as it violates the terms of tourist and business visas.
The warning specifically targets pregnant women who misrepresent their travel intentions to obtain visas for childbirth purposes.
Impact on Future Travel
The NCS warned that violations by individual Nigerians could potentially lead to broader restrictions affecting all Nigerian travellers to the United States.
The service emphasized that collective responsibility is crucial to maintaining favorable travel relationships between Nigeria and the United States.
Any significant increase in visa violations could trigger additional restrictive measures that would affect legitimate travelers and business relationships.
Travel Agent Responsibility
The Customs Service specifically called on travel agents and visa facilitators to ensure they provide accurate information and assistance to clients seeking U.S. visas.
Agents who knowingly assist in fraudulent applications face potential criminal charges and permanent bans from operating in the travel industry.
The warning extends to immigration lawyers and consultants who may be tempted to provide false documentation or misleading advice to visa applicants.
Proper Documentation Requirements
Nigerian travellers are urged to ensure all documentation submitted for visa applications is authentic and accurately represents their intentions and circumstances.
The NCS emphasized that proper documentation includes genuine financial statements, employment letters, and other supporting materials that reflect the applicant’s true situation.
False documentation, even if professionally prepared, can be easily detected by U.S. consular officers and immigration officials using advanced verification systems.
Economic Implications
The Customs Service highlighted that visa restrictions negatively impact legitimate business relationships, educational exchanges, and family connections between Nigeria and the United States.
The economic cost of restricted travel includes reduced business opportunities, limited educational access, and decreased remittances from diaspora communities.
Maintaining positive travel relationships is crucial for Nigeria’s economic development and international business partnerships.
Call for Compliance
The NCS called on all Nigerian travellers to strictly adhere to visa conditions and immigration laws to preserve the travel privileges currently available to legitimate applicants.
The service emphasized that individual violations affect the entire Nigerian travelling community and contribute to negative perceptions about Nigerian travellers.
Compliance with U.S. immigration laws is presented as a patriotic duty that protects the interests of all Nigerian citizens seeking international travel opportunities.
Preventive Measures
The Customs Service announced plans to intensify education campaigns about proper visa usage and the consequences of violations at all international airports and border crossings.
These measures include distributing information materials, conducting briefings for departing passengers, and coordinating with travel industry stakeholders.
The service also plans to work with the National Orientation Agency and other relevant bodies to create public awareness about responsible international travel.
The warning underscores the importance of responsible travel behavior to maintain Nigeria’s international travel relationships.