U.S Announces New Visa Rules for Nigerians

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a significant update for Nigerian travelers, the U.S. Embassy has announced new visa interview procedures set to take effect on April 22, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the visa application process.

Applicants seeking visas in Abuja and Lagos must now present a DS-160 visa application form that features a confirmation or barcode number beginning with “AA” followed by two zeroes

According to the embassy’s announcement, applicants seeking visas in Abuja and Lagos must now present a DS-160 visa application form that features a confirmation or barcode number beginning with “AA” followed by two zeroes. It is crucial that this barcode matches the one used to schedule the appointment online. Any discrepancies between the two will result in denial of entry into the consular section or the visa interview.

To ensure a smooth process, applicants are strongly advised to verify that their DS-160 barcode aligns with their scheduled appointment number at least two weeks prior to the interview date. Should there be any errors, applicants must log into their AVITS account and request a correction at least 10 days before their interview.

Furthermore, it is imperative that applicants attend their interview at the location they selected during the DS-160 application process. Failure to comply with these updated guidelines may affect their visa application outcome.

These changes are part of the embassy’s ongoing efforts to streamline the visa application process and improve overall efficiency for applicants. For any questions or issues, applicants are encouraged to contact the visa call center for assistance.

The U.S. Embassy remains committed to facilitating travel and fostering strong ties between the United States and Nigeria. As the new guidelines come into effect, applicants are urged to stay informed and prepared to ensure a successful visa application experience.