The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could negatively impact future travel opportunities for other citizens.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, the US Mission stressed that non-compliance with visa conditions by a few individuals can create broader consequences for Nigerians who travel legitimately for education, business, and family purposes.

The US Mission noted that strengthening compliance with visa rules is important to protect access for responsible travellers, including students, entrepreneurs, and families.

It also encouraged members of the public to report cases of visa fraud, providing contact emails for its fraud prevention units in Abuja and Lagos.

The statement reads, “Visa overstays by Nigerian travelers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens. Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travelers, and families who travel responsibly. If you are aware of visa fraud, please report it to AbujaFPU@state.gov or LagosFPU@state.gov.”

The United States recently paused all visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries as part of a move to tighten immigration screening and prevent applicants considered likely to become a public charge from entering the country.

According to a U.S. State Department memo first obtained by Fox News Digital a few weeks ago, consular officers were directed to refuse visas under existing law while the department reviews and reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. (Nigerian Tribune)