Overstaying visas could lead to permanent ban, US warns Nigerians

The United States government has issued a strict warning to Nigerian travelers regarding visa overstays, stating that violators could face permanent bans from re-entering the country.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that consular officers have full access to an individual’s immigration history, making it impossible to evade penalties for past violations.

“If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly,” the US Mission stated.

The statement further clarified that overstays of more than 180 days but less than a year may result in a three-year re-entry ban, while overstays exceeding one year could lead to a 10-year ban. Repeat offenders or those with serious violations risk a lifetime ban from entering the US.

Since the return of Donald Trump as US President, immigration policies have become increasingly strict.

On February 16, 2025, the Nigerian government raised concerns about the rising number of deportations of its citizens from the US and called for adherence to international conventions to ensure a dignified repatriation process.

During a meeting with US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the emotional and financial toll these deportations place on affected Nigerians and their families.

She revealed that “about 201 Nigerians are currently detained in US immigration centres, with approximately 85 cleared for deportation.” She urged the US government to adopt a more humane approach, emphasizing the crucial role many Nigerians in the US play in supporting their families back home through remittances.