The US Embassy has listed new requirement for visa interviews, saying from April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online.

Applicants must also make their appointment in the location they selected when filling out the DS-160.

As for Matching Barcode Numbers, the embassy said, "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 embassy said two weeks before the interview, applicants need to double-check that the barcode number on their DS-160 form matches the one they used to schedule their appointment.

"You cannot reuse a DS-160 from a previous application.

"Correcting DS-160 Barcode: If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number.

"Rescheduling Appointments: If you are turned away from your appointment because your barcode numbers do not match, once you correct the problem, you will need to book a new appointment to proceed with your visa application. You may book a new appointment by logging into your AVITS account at If your visa fee has expired, you may have to pay a new fee before booking," the embassy said.

ASA