The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned that individuals who overstay their visas could face a permanent travel ban.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy emphasized that visa violations are taken seriously and that claims of accidental overstays will not be accepted.

“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake,’” the embassy stated.

The warning highlights the importance of adhering to visa conditions, as overstaying—even briefly—can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Visa Cancellation – Immediate revocation of the current visa.
• Future Visa Denials – Difficulty or complete inability to secure a U.S. visa.
• Permanent Inadmissibility – A lifetime ban from entering the United States.

The embassy advised travelers to closely monitor their visa validity, plan their departures accordingly, and apply for extensions through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if necessary.

Nigerians seeking to travel to the U.S. are urged to comply with immigration rules to avoid jeopardizing future travel opportunities.