The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travellers about the severe consequences of overstaying their visa, emphasising that violators could face permanent bans from re-entering the country.

The US Mission in Nigeria posted the warning via its X on Monday.

The immigration authorities clarified that consular officers can access an individual’s full immigration history, making it nearly impossible to avoid penalties for past violations.

They further emphasised that travellers are responsible for adhering to the terms of their visa and that ignorance of visa regulations will not be accepted as an excuse.

“If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling 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’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly,” the US Mission stated.

It is learnt that those who overstay their visa for more than 180 days but less than a year may face a three-year re-entry ban.

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If the overstay exceeds one year, the penalty could be a 10-year ban.

Repeat offenders or those with serious violations risk a permanent lifetime ban.

Since the return of Trump as US President, America has become stricter with its immigration policies.

On February 16, 2025, the Federal Government raised serious concerns about the deportation of its nationals from the United States, urging Washington to adhere to international conventions and ensure a dignified repatriation process.

During a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasised the emotional and financial strain these deportations are placing on Nigerians in the US and their families back home.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that “about 201 Nigerians are currently detained in US immigration centers, with around 85 cleared for deportation,” adding that the government was advocating for a more humane approach to the process.

“With the new US administration in place, we expect commitments to ensure that, if repatriation occurs, it will be done with dignity,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further pointed out that many Nigerians in the US play a crucial role in supporting their families back home through vital remittances, which help sustain their livelihoods and fund their education.

She noted that these deportations, especially for those with no violent criminal history, should not be sudden or traumatic.

“We are asking as a country whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?” she questioned.