In a recent move that has caught the attention of many Kenyans planning to travel to the United States, the US Embassy in Nairobi has issued a new warning regarding visa applications. Beginning immediately, all applicants are required to disclose their social media handles for the past five years when filling out the DS-160 visa form.
According to the embassy, applicants must list all social media usernames or handles across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and others. However, they are not expected to provide passwords. The US government emphasizes that all information provided must be accurate and truthful, and applicants must be able to prove this if asked.
The embassy warns that failure to include social media details or providing false information could lead to visa denial or future ineligibility to apply for US visas. “Visa applicants are required to list all social media handles for every platform used in the last five years,” the statement reads. “Omitting this information could jeopardize your chances of getting a visa.”
This policy has been in effect since 2019, but it has become more stringent since President Trump’s administration took office earlier this year. The move comes amid heightened security checks and efforts to combat illegal immigration.
Additionally, the US government has issued a separate warning against using fake immigration documents. They have made it clear that anyone caught engaging in visa fraud or attempting to enter the US illegally will face severe consequences, including being banned from returning to the US for life. The embassy emphasized that the US is committed to protecting its borders and will pursue criminal charges against those involved in illegal activities.
Kenyan travelers planning to visit the US are advised to be honest and transparent during their application process. Providing false information or attempting to cheat the system could not only ruin their chances of visiting the US but also lead to long-term legal issues.
As always, it’s best to follow the official guidelines and be truthful in your visa application to avoid unnecessary complications.
