The U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday, 25 August, 2025 gave reasons for the new social media vetting for Nigerian visa applicants, citing the safety and security of the United States remain the cornerstone of its visa application and decision-making process.
The Mission, which gave the reasons through a statement issued Monday, 25 August, 2025 on it X handle, said prospective visa applicants undergo careful vetting to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in the US.
“The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process.
“That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
“These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.” the statement said.
The statement added that this following its directive last week that mandates Nigerians to disclose all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years as part of the visa application process.
The US Mission added in the statement that said Nigerian visa applicants must provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles on the DS-160 visa application form, and warned that omitting the information could lead to visa denials.
Reacting to the development last week Monday, the Federal Government said US citizens intending to visit Nigeria will be subjected to the same measures.
“The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures,” spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said.
