The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a fresh advisory reminding American citizens, including those with dual nationality, that they must enter and leave the United States using a valid US passport. The rule applies to all US citizens regardless of age, including children who hold another citizenship alongside their American nationality.
ESTA Applications Routinely Rejected for Dual Nationals
The advisory, posted on the embassy's official X account, explicitly prohibits dual national US citizens from using a foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). According to the embassy, such applications are routinely rejected or cancelled by the US Department of Homeland Security. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a pre-screening system for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program; dual nationals are not eligible to use a foreign passport to apply for it.
The embassy stressed that US citizens living abroad who plan to travel to the US must ensure they have a valid US passport before making travel arrangements. Travellers with expired or soon-to-expire passports are urged to renew them well in advance to avoid disruptions. Processing delays can occur, so early renewal is strongly recommended.
Exact Quote from the Embassy
"U.S. citizens are REQUIRED to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport," the embassy stated. It added that the rule applies equally to dual national citizens and that using a foreign passport to obtain an ESTA is not allowed under any circumstances.
Six-Month Validity Check Recommended
The embassy also reminded travellers to verify the validity of their passports ahead of trips, noting that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months before permitting entry. "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," the advisory reads. This precaution helps prevent being denied boarding or entry.
The latest advisory is part of broader efforts by US authorities to ensure travellers comply with immigration and border entry requirements before arriving in the country. It applies to all US citizens, regardless of where they reside, and is particularly relevant for dual nationals who may be accustomed to using a foreign passport for travel.
Related Development: US Seeks to Strip Nigerian Fraud Convict of Citizenship
In a related development, US authorities have moved to revoke the citizenship of a Nigerian national convicted for his role in a massive identity theft and tax fraud scheme. The US Department of Justice filed a civil complaint seeking to strip Emmanuel Oluwatosin Kazeem of his American citizenship. The operation victimized hundreds of thousands of people and sought tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent refunds. This case underscores the strict enforcement of US immigration laws and the consequences of violating federal regulations.
The developments highlight the importance of complying with US passport requirements and the potential legal repercussions for those who attempt to circumvent them. Dual citizens should ensure they maintain a valid US passport at all times to avoid travel disruptions and legal issues.
