U.S. Embassy Announces Stricter Visa Requirements for Nigerians: Barcode Matching Now Mandatory

 

In a move aimed at enhancing the integrity and efficiency of its visa processing system, the United States Mission in Nigeria has unveiled a significant update to its non-immigrant visa application procedure. Beginning April 22, 2025, all applicants seeking visas through the U.S. embassies in Abuja and Lagos will be required to adhere to stricter documentation protocols, particularly regarding their DS-160 confirmation forms and appointment details.

The announcement, made via the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle under the headline “Important Update for Visa Applicants”, signals a clear shift toward streamlining application verification processes and reducing instances of mismatched information—a frequent issue that has led to delays and denied entry to the Consular Section in the past.

What’s Changing?

At the heart of this update is the DS-160 visa application form—a crucial document in the U.S. visa process. Moving forward, applicants must ensure that the barcode or confirmation number (a sequence beginning with "AA" followed by two zeroes) on their DS-160 form exactly matches the one used when booking their visa interview online. This new matching requirement is non-negotiable, as any discrepancies will result in immediate denial of entry to the embassy on the day of the interview.

“Applicants who show up with mismatched DS-160 confirmation numbers will be turned away and must correct the error before rescheduling their appointment,” the statement emphasized. This means applicants must exercise greater caution and diligence during both the completion of their visa forms and the appointment booking process.

Why This Matters

The DS-160 form is a web-based document that gathers information necessary to determine visa eligibility. Historically, applicants have been allowed some flexibility in using previously completed DS-160 forms, especially when rebooking appointments. However, under the new policy, reusing a DS-160 from a past application will no longer be accepted. This decision reflects a growing emphasis by the U.S. Mission on up-to-date, synchronized application data.

Visa hopefuls are now advised to verify their details at least two weeks prior to their scheduled interview, allowing sufficient time to address any discrepancies. The Mission is also urging applicants to be aware that they must select the same embassy location—Abuja or Lagos—both when submitting the DS-160 and when scheduling the appointment online.

How to Fix Errors

For applicants who discover inconsistencies in their DS-160 barcode, the U.S. Mission has provided a path to correction. Individuals must log into their AVITS account and create a support ticket to request a correction. Importantly, this must be done no later than 10 days before the scheduled appointment date, underscoring the importance of early review and action.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Should an applicant be turned away due to unmatched barcodes, they will be required to reschedule a new appointment—a process that may be complicated further if their visa fee has expired, potentially necessitating an additional payment. The embassy has not specified whether expedited appointments will be made available in such cases, making it critical for applicants to avoid mistakes the first time around.

Final Takeaway

This policy update introduces a higher level of scrutiny into the U.S. visa process for Nigerian applicants. While it may initially add a layer of complexity, the move is ultimately aimed at reducing processing errors, ensuring identity consistency, and improving overall service delivery at the U.S. embassies in Nigeria.

For many Nigerians with travel plans to the United States—whether for tourism, education, business, or family reunification—the message is clear: double-check, match your barcode, and don’t delay. As April 22 approaches, attention to detail could be the deciding factor between a successful interview and a frustrating setback.