US Embassy implements new visa interview requirements for Nigerians

• US Embassy in Nigeria introduces revised visa interview requirements for applicants, effective April 22, 2025
• Applicants must present a DS-160 form with a barcode starting with “AA” followed by two zeroes, matching the one used to schedule the interview
• The new requirements are part of efforts to streamline the visa application process and reduce administrative errors

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced new visa interview requirements for applicants, effective April 22, 2025. 

In a statement released on Friday, April 11, the US mission outlined that all applicants attending interviews in Lagos and Abuja must present a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation barcode starting with “AA” followed by two zeroes. 

This barcode must match the one used to schedule the interview online.

The embassy emphasised that failure to provide a matching barcode will result in denial of entry to the consular section and disqualification from the interview.

The statement read, "Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (beginning with AA and followed by 00) that matches the one used to schedule their appointment online. 

“You are also required to make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160."

Applicants are advised to verify the alignment of the barcode at least two weeks before their appointment. 

The embassy further clarified that previously used DS-160 forms cannot be reused. 

In case of a mismatch, applicants are instructed to log into their AVITS account no later than ten days before the interview to request a correction.

The statement continued, "At least two weeks before your interview, double-check that the barcode number on your DS-160 form matches the one used for your appointment. If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account and submit a correction request at least 10 days prior to your appointment."

Additionally, the embassy reminded applicants to ensure that their visa appointment is scheduled at the location indicated in their DS-160 form. 

If applicants are turned away due to mismatched barcodes, they must correct the issue and reschedule their appointment, potentially requiring payment of a new visa fee if the old one has expired.

These changes are part of the embassy’s ongoing efforts to streamline the visa application process and reduce administrative errors.

Since January 1, applicants have been required to visit the US Consulate General in Lagos twice during the application process.

UK announces significant visa fee hike effective April 2025

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United Kingdom announced a substantial increase in visa fees, affecting travellers, students, and workers seeking entry into the country. 

The new charges, which took effect on April 9, 2025, will impact various visa categories, including visitor, student, work, and transit visas.