U.S. Embassy Tells Dual Citizens To Travel With American Passports

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reminded American citizens with dual nationality that they are required to use a valid U.S. passport when entering or departing the United States.

In a travel advisory shared on its official X account on Sunday, the embassy said the requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, including children, who also hold citizenship of another country.

The embassy also warned that dual U.S. nationals are not permitted to 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 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 expiration before making travel arrangements.

It also reminded travellers that many countries require passports to have at least six months of validity remaining before they will permit entry.