US Embassy Mandates Social Media History for All Visa Hopefuls

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has issued a stark reminder to all visa applicants: you must now provide a full five-year history of your social media activity as part of the application process. The directive, which was announced on the Mission’s official X account on Monday, is part of a wider effort by the U.S. government to tighten security and vet travelers more thoroughly.

According to the new rule, which is a reminder of an existing global policy, all Nigerian visa hopefuls must list every username or handle they have used on social media platforms over the past five years when filling out the DS-160 visa application form. The embassy’s statement warned that any applicant who omits this information or provides false details risks not only having their visa application denied immediately but also becoming ineligible for any future U.S. visas. This isn’t a request; it’s a requirement.

While the U.S. Department of State insists this measure is crucial for protecting national security, the policy has sparked a global debate about privacy and freedom of expression. Critics, including civil liberties groups, argue that it creates a “chilling effect” on free speech, as individuals may become afraid to express their opinions online for fear of being denied a visa. The U.S. government maintains that this is a necessary step to better vet applicants and confirm their identities, but opponents say it’s an invasive tactic that may unfairly target certain individuals or groups based on their online behavior.

For many Nigerians, this new requirement adds another significant hurdle to an already difficult process. The vast majority of citizens rely on social media for communication, business, and daily news, and this new rule effectively means their entire digital life can now be used to determine their eligibility to travel. In a society where social media is a key part of life, this policy means that every post, comment, and “like” could have a direct impact on a person’s future travel plans.

The Nigerian government has reportedly said it may consider a reciprocal response, but for now, the onus is on individual applicants to be completely transparent about their online footprint.

You can learn more about how U.S. visa applicants must share their social media history in this video from eNCA.