5 New US Visa Requirements for Nigerians Before You Apply

 If you’re a Nigerian planning to attend a US visa interview in Abuja or Lagos anytime soon, you’ll need to be aware of some crucial changes. The United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria have introduced five updated requirements that took effect from April 22, 2025.

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These new rules are not just minor adjustments, they are strict procedures that could determine whether you’re allowed into the interview or turned away at the gate. So, before you head out with your documents in hand, here’s what you must know.

Use the Right DS-160 Form with Matching Barcode

This is the biggest change and the most critical. You must show up at your visa interview with a DS-160 confirmation page that carries a barcode starting with “AA00”, and this barcode must exactly match the one you used when booking your appointment.

If you use a different DS-160 form or recycle an old one, even if it seems valid, you’ll be denied entry. Also, make sure the city you chose on the form (Abuja or Lagos) matches where your interview is scheduled. A mismatch will disqualify your application.

Mismatched Barcodes Mean No Entry

If the barcode on your DS-160 confirmation doesn’t match the one in the appointment system even by one digit, you won’t be allowed to proceed.

This rule is being strictly enforced to avoid errors and fraud in the scheduling process. It applies to all visa categories, so no matter your reason for travel, a mismatch is a dealbreaker.

Check and Recheck at Least Two Weeks in Advance

Don’t wait until the last minute. The Embassy recommends that all applicants verify their DS-160 barcode at least two weeks before their interview.

Why? Because if there’s a mistake, you’ll still have time to fix it. If you use the wrong form or barcode and show up on interview day, your visa fee could be wasted, and you’ll have to start the process all over again.

Fix Errors via the AVITS Portal Early

If you do spot a problem say, your barcode doesn’t match, you’ll need to go through the AVITS portal. You must submit a support ticket at least 10 days before your appointment to request a correction.

Time is critical here. If you wait too long, you may not get a response before your scheduled date, meaning you’ll have to rebook and potentially pay again.

Rescheduling Means New Fees May Apply

If your appointment is cancelled because of a barcode issue, you can’t just walk back in the next day. You’ll have to correct the problem, re-enter the AVITS system, and schedule a new appointment from scratch.

And if your previous visa fee has expired by then? You’ll need to pay again. This makes it even more important to get your paperwork right the first time.