The United States government has announced a new requirement for Nigerian visa applicants, mandating that they disclose their social media usernames from the past five years. This information must be provided on the DS-160 visa application form.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria confirmed the policy via a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The mission warned that failing to comply with this requirement could lead to visa denial.
This measure applies to all applicants, whether seeking immigrant or non-immigrant visas, and is part of enhanced security vetting procedures initially introduced under the President Donald Trump administration. The U.S. Department of State has stated that the goal is to enhance national security by allowing consular officers to review applicants’ online presence during background checks.
On the DS-160 form, applicants must list usernames or handles from all major platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, that they have used over the last five years. The form specifically requests usernames and handles only, not passwords.
Applicants are also required to certify that all information submitted in their visa application is “true and correct.” U.S. authorities have cautioned that providing incomplete or false social media information could result in visa denial or future ineligibility.
While the U.S. Department of State defends the policy as a necessary security precaution, it has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), for instance, has argued that such a requirement could stifle free speech, particularly for individuals from countries with repressive governments.
Despite these concerns, the policy remains in effect. Visa applicants are strongly advised to provide complete and accurate information to avoid any complications with their application.