Customs warns Nigerians against misuse of US visas

The Nigeria Customs Service has issued an alert to the general public to the concerns raised by the Government of the United States of America on the need for Nigerians to desist from misusing entry visas granted by the US through activities that are inconsistent with the stated purpose of travel and visa classification.

In a statement by Customs National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdulahi Maiwada, Nigerians are urged to note that security vetting for visa applicants does not end upon entry into the United States.

“U.S. authorities will continuously monitor the activities of visa holders, and visas can be revoked if holders are found to have violated US immigration protocols, import/export guidelines and other laws,” the statement said.

The NCS also reminded Nigerians travelling to the US to declare at the point of exit or entry excess cash above the minimum threshold of 10,000 US dollars or its equivalent and ensure that prohibited items are not included in their baggage.

“It is pertinent to also note that passengers are encouraged to be law abiding citizens and be of good conduct within and outside Nigeria. Intending passengers to the United States should know that whoever commits fraud in any jurisdiction will face legal consequences both under U.S. and Nigerian laws.

“The Nigeria Customs Service wishes to reaffirm that it is working with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure that Nigeria meets the criteria to avoid enlistment into an expanded visa ban that will deny entry to well-meaning Nigerians wishing to travel to the US for their lawful business endeavours, ” the statement concluded.