The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern reminder to Nigerians who also hold U.S. citizenship: they must use a valid American passport when entering or leaving the United States. The requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, regardless of dual nationality, including children.
Requirement for Dual Citizens
In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, July 26, the mission emphasized that U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This rule applies equally to dual nationals, including minors. The mission stated: "U.S. citizens are REQUIRED to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals."
Under U.S. immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1185(b)), all U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport when arriving or departing the country. Using a foreign passport is not an acceptable alternative and could lead to denial of boarding, delays, or fines. Dual citizens often mistakenly believe they can travel on their non-U.S. passport, but this is a violation of federal regulations.
ESTA Not an Option
The mission also clarified that dual-national U.S. citizens are not permitted to use their foreign passports to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is designed for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who are not U.S. citizens. Since dual citizens are U.S. nationals, they are ineligible for ESTA. The mission warned: "Dual national U.S. citizens may NOT use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens."
Attempting to obtain an ESTA using a foreign passport can result in automatic denial or revocation, and may even lead to additional scrutiny upon arrival. The Department of Homeland Security has systems in place to detect dual citizenship status and cross-reference passport data.
Travel Preparation Tips
The U.S. Mission advised American citizens living abroad, including those residing in Nigeria, to ensure their U.S. passports remain valid before making travel plans. "If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport. If your U.S. passport is expired or expires soon, renew before your trip!" the statement read.
Passport renewal services are available at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. Applicants should check the mission's website for current appointment availability and processing times, which can vary. The mission recommends renewing at least six months before expiration to avoid last-minute issues.
Six-Month Passport Validity
The mission further reminded travelers that many countries require passports to have at least six months of validity before entry. This is a common international standard, and failure to meet it can result in being denied boarding or entry. Even when traveling to the United States, a U.S. passport must be valid for the duration of the stay, but the six-month rule is often imposed by transit or destination countries.
The reminder comes amid increased travel between Nigeria and the United States, with many dual citizens holding both Nigerian and American passports. The U.S. Mission urged all affected individuals to comply with the law to avoid disruptions. For further information, travelers can contact the U.S. Mission in Nigeria or visit the official U.S. State Department website.
