U.S. Mission Reminds Dual Nigerian-American Citizens to Travel with Valid U.S. Passports

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded Nigerians who also hold U.S. citizenship that they are legally required to use a valid American passport whenever they enter or leave the United States. The advisory, shared on the mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, emphasizes that the rule applies to all U.S. citizens, including children with dual nationality.

According to the mission, dual nationals cannot use their non-U.S. passports to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security does not permit American citizens to travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

The mission explained that ESTA applications submitted by dual-national U.S. citizens using foreign passports are routinely denied or cancelled because U.S. law requires citizens to travel with a valid American passport. It stressed that anyone who holds U.S. citizenship, regardless of whether they also possess another nationality, must present a U.S. passport when arriving in or departing from the United States.

In addition, the U.S. Mission advised American citizens living abroad, including those residing in Nigeria, to check the validity of their passports well before making travel arrangements. Travellers whose U.S. passports have expired or are close to expiration were encouraged to renew them in advance to avoid disruptions or delays during their journeys.

The mission also reminded travelers that many countries enforce passport validity requirements, with several nations requiring passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of travel.

The advisory serves as an important reminder for dual Nigerian-American citizens to ensure they comply with U.S. immigration and travel regulations before embarking on international trips. Keeping travel documents up to date, the mission noted, can help prevent complications at airports and border entry points while ensuring a smoother travel experience.