The directive, revealed in a post on the Mission’s official X account on Monday, aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s broader effort to strengthen national security through enhanced vetting procedures.
According to the Mission, applicants are required to list every social media handle they have used within the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. The Mission emphasized that failure to provide accurate information could lead to visa denial or even render an applicant ineligible for future U.S. visas.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the Mission stated.
It further warned: “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.”
The move formalizes what has been part of U.S. visa policy since 2019, when the State Department introduced mandatory social media disclosure for most visa categories. The policy applies to applicants worldwide, including Nigerians, and covers popular platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
Analysts note that the measure underscores Washington’s heightened focus on online activity in assessing potential security risks. While some critics argue it may raise privacy concerns, U.S. officials insist the policy is necessary to ensure thorough background checks.
With Nigeria ranking among the top sources of U.S. visa applications in Africa, the directive serves as a reminder for applicants to be transparent and accurate in their submissions to avoid complications.