Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must adhere to a new requirement introduced by the United States government. According to an official statement released on Wednesday, every applicant is now mandated to present a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation barcode number beginning with “AA00” — which must exactly match the number used to schedule their visa appointment online.

This policy update is intended to streamline the visa interview process and ensure consistency in applicants’ information.

Location Consistency Required

In addition to barcode matching, applicants are also required to attend their visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate location (Abuja or Lagos) they originally selected while completing the DS-160 form. Any mismatch in location or barcode number could result in denial of entry into the Consular Section.

Key Guidelines to Follow:

  • Ensure Matching Barcode Numbers: “If the confirmation/barcode number on your DS-160 form does not match the one you used to book your appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the Consular Section or attend your visa interview,” the U.S. Embassy stated.

  • Double-Check in Advance: Applicants are advised to verify their DS-160 barcode numbers at least two weeks prior to their interview date to avoid last-minute complications.

  • No Reuse of Old Forms: A DS-160 form from a previous application is not valid. Each new application must be supported by a freshly submitted DS-160 form with a unique barcode.

  • Fixing Barcode Errors: If you discover a mismatch or error in your DS-160 barcode number, you must log into your AVITS account and submit a support ticket requesting a correction — no later than 10 days before your scheduled interview.

  • Rescheduling May Be Required: In cases where applicants are turned away due to barcode discrepancies, a new appointment must be scheduled after correcting the issue. Be aware that if your visa fee has expired by then, a new payment may be required.

Support for Applicants

For further clarification or support, applicants are encouraged to reach out to the U.S. visa call center by dialing +234 2013438900 (Nigeria) or +1 734 418 2395 (U.S.). Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via email to: nigeria@usvisaappt.com.

With this policy shift, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria emphasizes accuracy and preparedness in the visa application process, urging all prospective travelers to act promptly and verify their details well ahead of their interview dates.