Travelers heading to the United States are being reminded of the serious risks linked to overstaying their visas. Officials caution that violators could face a permanent ban from re-entering the country.
According to US immigration authorities, consular officers have full access to a traveler’s immigration history, making it nearly impossible to avoid detection for past visa violations.
Officials stressed that claiming ignorance of visa regulations will not excuse travelers from facing penalties, emphasizing that it is the individual’s responsibility to comply with the terms of their stay.
“If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States.
Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations.
A recent advisory from US immigration authorities stated that there is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’—it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.
Under US immigration law, individuals who overstay their visa by more than 180 days but less than a year could be subject to a three-year ban from re-entry. Those who remain in the US for a year or longer risk facing a ten-year ban.
Repeat offenders or individuals with serious violations may face a lifetime ban from entering the country.
Authorities strongly advise travelers to keep track of their visa expiration dates and seek legal guidance if they need to extend their stay to avoid potential penalties.
