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The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded Nigerians who hold dual citizenship with the United States that they are legally required to use a valid U.S. passport when entering or leaving the country, warning that failure to do so could disrupt their travel plans.
In a statement published on its official X account on Sunday, the mission stressed that the requirement applies to all American citizens, including children who possess dual nationality.
According to the mission, U.S. law requires every American citizen to present a valid U.S. passport when travelling into or out of the United States, regardless of whether they also hold citizenship of another country.
“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,” the statement read.
The mission also cautioned dual-national citizens against attempting to travel to the United States using a foreign passport under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), noting that such applications are routinely rejected or cancelled by U.S. immigration authorities.
“Dual national U.S. citizens may NOT use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens,” it added.
The advisory further urged American citizens residing outside the United States, including those living in Nigeria, to confirm that their U.S. passports remain valid well ahead of any planned journey.
“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 mission advised.
It also reminded travellers that many countries enforce passport validity rules requiring travel documents to remain valid for at least six months before entry is permitted.
The latest advisory forms part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to educate dual-national citizens on their travel obligations and minimise disruptions at immigration checkpoints. The mission urged affected travellers to renew expiring passports early and ensure they comply fully with U.S. entry and exit regulations before making travel arrangements.
