US Embassy warns Nigerians against misusing B1/B2 visas, says violations could lead to permanent ban

The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned Nigerian travelers to strictly comply with the conditions of their B1/B2 visitor visas, cautioning that misuse of the visa could result in permanent ineligibility for future travel to the United States.

In a public advisory posted on its official social media platforms, the US Mission reminded visa holders that the B1/B2 visa is intended solely for temporary visits and must only be used for approved purposes.

According to the embassy, the B1 category permits short-term business activities such as attending conferences, consulting with business associates and negotiating contracts, while the B2 category covers tourism, medical treatment, and visits to family and friends.

The mission stressed that any violation of the visa’s conditions could carry serious immigration consequences.

“Improper use of your U.S. B1/B2 visa can result in permanent ineligibility for a visa in the future,” the embassy stated.

The embassy also outlined activities that are prohibited under the B1/B2 non-immigrant visa classification. These include accepting paid employment in the United States, enrolling in long-term academic programmes, performing before paying audiences, working as foreign media personnel, attempting to establish permanent residency, or remaining in the country beyond the authorized period of stay.

The advisory comes amid changes to US immigration policy affecting Nigerian travelers.

Earlier this year, the United States implemented Presidential Proclamation 10998, which partially suspended the issuance of new non-immigrant visas—including B1/B2 visitor visas as well as F, M and J visa categories for nationals of 19 countries, including Nigeria, subject to certain exceptions.

The US government also introduced a Visa Bond Pilot Programme, under which eligible applicants may be required to provide a refundable security bond of up to $15,000 as an incentive to comply with the terms of their visas and depart the country before their authorized stay expires.

Despite the restrictions, the US Mission clarified that Nigerians who obtained valid US visas before January 1, 2026, remain unaffected by the proclamation. The embassy emphasized that existing visas have not been revoked and remain valid until their expiration dates, provided holders continue to comply with US immigration laws.

The mission urged travelers to familiarize themselves with the conditions attached to their visas and ensure they use them only for their intended purposes to avoid jeopardizing future travel opportunities to the United States.