US Now Requires Nigerian Visa Applicants to List Social Media Handles of Past Five Years
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
New Visa Requirement Targets Social Media Activity
The United States government has announced a stricter visa application requirement for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, mandating that applicants must now disclose all their social media usernames or handles used in the past five years.
The announcement was made through the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, which issued a statement via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, stressing that failure to comply with the directive would result in visa denial.
According to the guideline contained in the DS-160 visa application form, the requirement applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa seekers.
National Security Concerns Behind the Policy
The U.S. Department of State explained that the policy is part of enhanced vetting measures aimed at strengthening national security. By reviewing applicants’ online presence, consular officers are expected to assess background information more thoroughly and confirm identities.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the U.S. Mission clarified.
The Department further stated that the rule helps to “strengthen our process for vetting applicants and confirming their identities.”
What Applicants Must Disclose
On the DS-160 form, applicants are required to provide usernames or handles (not passwords) from major platforms such as:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- TikTok
- And any other platforms used within the past five years.
Before signing and submitting the form, applicants must also certify that the information provided is true and correct. The U.S. Mission warned that omitting or falsifying social media details could lead to visa denial, delays in processing, or even ineligibility for future applications.
Reactions and Criticisms of the Policy
While U.S. authorities insist the measure is necessary for security, the requirement has sparked criticism from civil liberties advocates.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has argued that the rule could chill free speech and discourage open online expression, particularly for individuals from countries with restrictive governments.
Despite these concerns, the policy—originally introduced under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump—remains firmly in place.
Advice for Nigerian Visa Applicants
Akahi News gathered that Nigerian visa applicants are strongly advised to provide full disclosure of their social media activity when completing the DS-160 form to avoid jeopardising their eligibility.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria reiterated:
“Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.”
This latest requirement underscores the increasing role of digital footprints in immigration decisions, making honesty and transparency crucial for all applicants.
The United States has made it clear that social media disclosures are now a critical part of visa processing. For Nigerians hoping to secure visas—whether for study, tourism, business, or immigration—failure to comply could have serious consequences.
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