National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The United States has issued a stern warning to Nigerian visa holders: overstaying your visa can lead to a permanent travel ban.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria took to social media to remind travelers of the serious consequences of violating visa regulations.
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 overstaying.
The embassy emphasized that there is no leniency for those who claim ignorance of visa regulations, as travelers are responsible for complying with the terms of their stay.
The consequences of overstaying a U.S. visa are severe.
Individuals who overstay by more than 180 days but less than a year could face a three-year ban from re-entry.
Those who overstay for a year or more risk a 10-year ban, while repeat offenders or those with serious violations may face a lifetime ban.
To avoid these penalties, travelers are advised to keep track of their visa expiration dates and seek legal guidance if they need to extend their stay.
The U.S. Embassy’s warning serves as a reminder to Nigerian visa holders to take their visa obligations seriously and avoid the risk of a permanent travel ban.
