The United States has announced that all applicants for non-immigrant visas must now disclose every social media username used over the past five years as part of the application process.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria explained in a notice that the requirement applies to applicants filling the DS-160 form. “Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” it said.
The directive reflects a wider global shift toward monitoring digital footprints in security and immigration decisions. First introduced in 2019 under the Trump administration, the policy remains active under President Joe Biden, as officials argue that online vetting helps confirm identity and assess potential security risks.
Nigeria, one of the largest sources of U.S.-bound travellers in Africa, is particularly affected by the policy, given its vibrant social media environment across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
The development comes on the heels of Washington’s revision of its visa reciprocity arrangement with Nigeria in July, which limited most applicants to single-entry, three-month visas. With appointment slots already in high demand, U.S. officials said compliance with the social media disclosure requirement would be crucial to avoiding processing delays or denials.
