The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reminded American citizens who hold dual nationality that they must use a valid US passport when travelling to or from the United States. The advisory applies to all US citizens, including children who also hold another nationality.
The embassy issued the reminder in a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, stressing that US immigration rules require American citizens to enter and leave the country using a US passport, regardless of any other citizenship they may hold.
According to the embassy, the rule is not optional and applies equally to adults and children with dual nationality.
“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 embassy said.
What Dual Citizens Should Know
The embassy specifically warned that dual-national US citizens are not allowed to use their foreign passports to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
ESTA is the online travel authorisation used by citizens of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program. However, the embassy said that once a person is a US citizen, they are expected to travel as a US citizen and not as a foreign visitor.
“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.
This means that a Nigerian-American citizen, for example, cannot apply for ESTA using a Nigerian passport in order to travel to the United States.
Why The Rule Matters
US authorities use passport records to verify citizenship and travel history. Travelling on a foreign passport when one is already recognised as a US citizen can create immigration complications, including denied boarding, delays at airports or cancellation of travel authorisation.
The embassy said the Department of Homeland Security routinely cancels ESTA applications submitted by dual citizens because they are expected to use their US passports instead.
Requirements for Americans/ Dual Citizens living abroad
The embassy also advised US citizens residing outside the United States, including those living in Nigeria, to check their travel documents 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 mission said.
Travellers were encouraged to renew passports that have expired or are close to expiring well before their intended departure date.
In addition to the US passport requirement, the embassy reminded travellers that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
“Remember many countries require passports have six months validity.”
This means that even if a passport has not yet expired, airlines or immigration authorities may refuse boarding or entry if the remaining validity is less than six months.
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