The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over the dangers of visa fraud, emphasizing that providing false information or submitting fake documents can result in permanent bans from entering the United States.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the Embassy said: “Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under US immigration law. This means you will never go.”
The warning comes as a reminder to Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States for study, work, or tourism to ensure that all applications are truthful and fully compliant with US visa requirements. Visa fraud, the Embassy noted, is taken very seriously and carries long-term consequences that can affect an individual’s ability to enter the United States permanently.
The advisory was issued shortly after a meeting between US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, during which both officials discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between the two countries.
According to sources, discussions focused on a wide range of issues, including diplomatic ties, internal security, and protection of vulnerable communities. The visa warning underscores the United States’ commitment to ensuring that travel processes are respected and that Nigerian citizens understand the legal consequences of falsifying information.
The warning also comes against the backdrop of heightened attention on Nigeria’s internal security situation. Over the past few years, the country has faced a growing wave of insecurity, especially in the Northern and Middle Belt regions, where communities have been affected by attacks from insurgents, bandits, and other armed groups.
Earlier this year, some members of the US Congress described these attacks as serious violations of religious freedom and called for stronger cooperation between the US and Nigerian governments to protect vulnerable populations.
“The US remains concerned about the security challenges in Nigeria and the impact on civilians. Collaboration with Nigerian authorities is essential to safeguard communities and ensure human rights are respected,” the Embassy said in a related statement.
Under US immigration law, submitting false documents or providing misleading information can trigger permanent restrictions. This applies not only to first-time visa applicants but also to individuals who have previously travelled to the United States. In many cases, applicants found guilty of visa fraud are barred for life from entering the country.
The Embassy reminded Nigerian applicants to:
Submit authentic and verifiable documents.
Avoid misrepresenting personal information.
Seek official guidance if unsure about application requirements.
The Embassy also stated that visa officers are trained to detect fraudulent documents and inconsistencies in applications. Any attempt to bypass the process could compromise trust and result in permanent bans.
The warning reflects the broader diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the United States, which relies on mutual respect for laws and regulations. By emphasizing the consequences of visa fraud, the US is signaling the need for compliance, transparency and good governance.