The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded Nigerian-American dual citizens that they must use a valid U.S. passport when entering or departing the United States, warning that the use of foreign passports could lead to travel complications.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, the mission said the requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, including children who hold dual nationality.
According to the mission, U.S. law requires American citizens to enter and leave the country using a valid U.S. passport, regardless of whether they also hold the passport of another country.
The mission also cautioned dual-national U.S. citizens against using foreign passports to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), noting that such applications are routinely denied or cancelled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“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 added that dual-national U.S. citizens are not eligible to use their foreign passports to obtain an ESTA, a travel authorization available to eligible visitors from countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
The mission further advised U.S. citizens residing abroad, including those living in Nigeria, to ensure their American passports remain valid before making travel arrangements.
“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 said.
The mission also reminded travellers that many countries require passports to have at least six months of validity before allowing entry, urging citizens to renew their travel documents well ahead of planned international trips.
The advisory serves as a reminder to Nigerian-American dual citizens to comply with U.S. passport requirements to avoid delays, denied travel authorizations or other disruptions when travelling to or from the United States.