The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reminded American citizens who hold dual nationality that they must use a valid U.S. passport whenever they enter or leave the United States.
In an advisory shared on its official X account, the embassy said the requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, including children, regardless of whether they also hold citizenship of another country.
The embassy also warned that dual U.S. nationals cannot use their foreign passports to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
According to the advisory, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA applications submitted by dual U.S. citizens using foreign passports.
“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 stated.
“Dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.”
The embassy advised U.S. citizens living abroad to ensure they travel with a valid U.S. passport and renew any passport that has expired or is close to expiring before making travel arrangements.
It also reminded travellers that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry before they are allowed to travel.
