The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travelers, cautioning that overstaying a visa could result in a permanent ban from re-entering the country.
According to U.S. immigration authorities, consular officers have full access to an individual’s immigration history, making it nearly impossible to evade penalties for violating visa regulations. Officials emphasized that ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse.
“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States,” the U.S. Mission in Nigeria tweeted. “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.”
Under U.S. immigration law, individuals who overstay their visa by more than 180 days but less than a year may face a three-year ban from re-entry. Those who exceed a year risk a 10-year ban, while repeat offenders or individuals with serious violations could be permanently barred from entering the country.
Authorities are advising travelers to monitor their visa expiration dates and seek legal guidance if they need an extension to avoid facing severe penalties.
