US Demands Five-Year Social Media History from Nigerian Visa Seekers

RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
20 August 2025

In a move that has stirred debate among travelers and digital citizens alike, the United States Government has tightened its visa application requirements, now demanding that Nigerians disclose a full five-year history of their social media activity.

The directive, issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, targets all prospective visa applicants, who must now include every username or handle used across platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and any other online forum they have engaged with over the past half-decade. Failure to provide this information, officials warn, could jeopardize not only immediate travel plans but also eligibility for future visas.

Announcing the update via its official X handle, the U.S. Mission stressed the importance of accuracy, emphasizing that applicants must certify the truthfulness of their submissions before signing the DS-160 visa form. “Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the statement read, leaving little room for oversight.

The requirement represents a significant expansion of background checks, reflecting growing global concerns about security and online behavior. Analysts suggest that the policy could impact thousands of Nigerians seeking study, work, or travel opportunities in the United States, while also raising questions about privacy and the digital footprint of citizens.

For applicants, the new measure means a meticulous review of their online presence is now mandatory. Experts recommend compiling a comprehensive list of usernames, handles, and accounts—even dormant ones—to avoid unintentional omissions. “The DS-160 form has always required honesty, but this is the first time social media activity is explicitly part of the evaluation,” said a Nigerian immigration consultant, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The policy has sparked conversations across social media itself, with some users decrying it as intrusive, while others acknowledge it as a necessary step for national security. Whatever the perspective, one thing is clear: traveling to the United States from Nigeria now comes with a closer look at your digital life than ever before.

As visa season continues, applicants are urged to ensure transparency and accuracy in every aspect of their submissions—because in the age of social media scrutiny, what you post online may now influence your ability to step foot in the United States.

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