NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyans and other foreign nationals applying for United States visas will now be required to list all social media usernames or handles they have used over the past five years, the US Embassy has announced.
In a statement issued this week, the Embassy said the disclosure must be made on the DS-160 visa application form, which is used for most non-immigrant visa categories, including student, tourist, and work visas.
“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” the statement read in part.
Failure to disclose accurate social media information could lead to visa denial and permanent ineligibility for future US visas, the Embassy warned.
“Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future US visas,” it said.
Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and
The new measure is part of the US government’s expanded vetting procedures aimed at enhancing national security and boosting transparency.
Although social media screening was first introduced in 2019, the recent updates mark a tightening of scrutiny, especially for international students and other applicants deemed high-risk.
The requirement allows US officials to examine an applicant’s online activity, interactions, shared content, and comments, particularly posts that touch on sensitive global issues, political views, or any content considered “radical.”
The embassy also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on visa fraud, warning that those found guilty could face criminal charges or lifetime bans from entering the United States.
“We will pursue criminal charges against those who engage in visa fraud and those who bring in and harbor illegal aliens,” the embassy said.
The move comes just days after the Embassy highlighted broader US interagency efforts to combat immigration fraud and curb illegal entry, including enhanced cooperation between consular, homeland security, and enforcement agencies.
