The United States Embassy has announced a new mandatory requirement for all visa applicants in Nigeria, effective April 22, 2025. According to the embassy, all applicants attending visa interviews at the Abuja or Lagos Consular Sections must present a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation barcode number (starting with “AA00”) that matches the number used to schedule their appointment.
In a statement released on Friday, the U.S. Mission emphasized that applicants whose barcode numbers do not match will not be granted entry into the Consular Section and will be unable to proceed with their visa interviews.
“Applicants must also ensure that they select the correct interview location—Abuja or Lagos—when completing their DS-160 form,” the statement added.
Applicants are strongly advised to double-check their DS-160 confirmation number at least two weeks before their scheduled appointment. The embassy noted that DS-160 forms from previous applications cannot be reused.
Applicants who discover discrepancies in their DS-160 barcode must:
- Log in to their AVITS account at least 10 days before their appointment.
- Submit a support ticket requesting the correction of the barcode number.
In the event of being denied entry due to a mismatch, applicants must resolve the issue and then reschedule a new appointment via their AVITS account. Those whose visa fee has expired may also be required to pay a new fee before booking a new date.
The U.S. Embassy encouraged all applicants to be diligent and proactive, reiterating that non-compliance with the updated requirements will lead to delays in the visa process.
For further inquiries or technical support, applicants are urged to contact the U.S. visa call center. The embassy says the policy aims to streamline the visa process and enhance the accuracy of documentation submitted during interviews.
