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 when entering or leaving the United States, warning that failure to comply could disrupt their travel plans.
In an advisory published on its official X account, the mission said the requirement applies to all U.S. citizens, including children who hold dual nationality. It stressed that dual-national U.S. citizens are not permitted to use their foreign passports to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
According to the mission, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTA applications submitted by dual U.S. citizens using foreign passports. It therefore advised eligible travellers to ensure they use their valid U.S. passports when travelling to or from the United States.
The U.S. Mission also urged American citizens living abroad, including those residing in Nigeria, to check the validity of their passports well ahead of any planned journey. Travellers whose passports have expired or are close to expiring were advised to renew them before making travel arrangements. It further reminded travellers that many countries require passports to have at least six months’ validity before entry.
The advisory serves as a reminder to dual-national citizens to comply with the travel document requirements of both countries. U.S.–Nigeria dual nationals should also note that Nigerian authorities require Nigerian citizens with dual nationality to use a valid Nigerian passport when departing Nigeria.
