The United States has warned Nigerians who also hold American citizenship against using a foreign passport when travelling to or from the country.
The US Mission in Nigeria issued the reminder on Sunday, saying every American citizen must enter and leave the United States with a valid US passport.
The rule applies to all American citizens with dual nationality, including children, regardless of whether they also hold a Nigerian passport or the passport of another country.
“US citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a US passport,” the mission said.
It added that the requirement applied equally to children and adults who hold more than one nationality.
The warning means that a Nigerian-American citizen should not attempt to enter the United States solely with a Nigerian or other foreign passport, even when that document remains valid.
The US Department of State confirms that dual citizens must use an American passport when entering or leaving the country. They may, however, be required to use their second country’s passport when entering or leaving that country, depending on its laws.
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US warns against ESTA applications
The US Mission also cautioned dual-national citizens against using a foreign passport to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, commonly known as ESTA.
ESTA is an online travel authorisation used by eligible visitors travelling under the US Visa Waiver Programme.
According to the mission, the US Department of Homeland Security regularly rejects or cancels ESTA applications submitted by American citizens using passports issued by other countries.
“Dual national US citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorisation,” the statement said.
The warning was also issued by the US Department of State’s travel service earlier in July and reflected in a June 12 message from the US Mission in Mexico. Both notices said American citizens are not eligible for US visas or ESTA because they already have the right to enter the country as citizens.
The latest notice is not a new travel ban or restriction on Nigerian-American citizens. It is a reminder that they must present the correct travel document at American borders.
Travellers urged to renew passports
American citizens living outside the United States were advised to check their passports before booking flights or beginning their journeys.
Those whose passports have expired or are close to expiring should apply for renewal before travelling.
“If your US passport is expired or expires soon, renew before your trip,” the mission advised.
The mission also reminded international travellers that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months after the intended date of entry.
However, passport-validity rules vary from one destination to another. Travellers have therefore been advised to check the entry requirements of every country on their route, particularly when they are connecting through another country.
Parents travelling with children who hold American citizenship must also obtain valid US passports for them. The State Department says a child who is an American citizen cannot receive a US visa, even when the parents have not completed the process of documenting the child’s citizenship.
The guidance is expected to affect Nigerians in the diaspora who acquired US citizenship through birth or naturalisation while retaining their Nigerian nationality.
Travellers who need a first US passport or a renewal have been advised to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate and complete the process before their planned departure date.
