US Mission warns dual citizens against using foreign passports

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded American citizens that they must travel with a valid US passport whenever they enter or leave the United States.

The advisory, issued on Sunday through the mission’s official X account, applies to every US citizen, including minors and individuals who hold citizenship of another country alongside their American nationality.

Reaffirming the longstanding travel requirement, the mission said, “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 also clarified that Americans with dual nationality cannot rely on a foreign passport when seeking approval under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

According to the post, “dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization.”

It explained that the Department of Homeland Security “routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.”

The mission further encouraged Americans residing outside the United States to check the validity of their passports well 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,” the mission said.

It also urged travellers not to wait until the last minute to renew their passports, noting that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.

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