US warns dual-citizen Nigerians against travelling with foreign passports

United States Mission in Nigeria has stated that Nigerians who also carry the U.S. citizenship need to have a valid U.S. passport while traveling in or out of the United States.

As stated by the mission in a statement published on its official X account on Sunday, this is applicable to all U.S. citizens irrespective of being a minor with dual citizenship.

Furthermore, it has been revealed that U.S. citizens having dual citizenship are barred from using their foreign passports for ESTA application.

“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 mission stated.

It warned that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA applications submitted by dual-national U.S. citizens using foreign passports.

“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,” the statement added.

The U.S. Mission also 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!” it said.

The mission further reminded travellers that many countries require passports to have at least six months of validity before entry.

“Remember many countries require passports have six months validity.”